From Setbacks to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Divya Tanwar
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is no ordinary test. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it is a rigorous, multi-stage process that challenges candidates on multiple fronts, from knowledge to critical thinking and mental endurance. Thousands of aspirants attempt the exam every year, but only a few succeed, and among these rare success stories, the journey of Divya Tanwar stands out.A Humble BeginningBorn and raised in the small village of Nimbi in Mahendragarh, Haryana, Divya’s early life was anything but easy. In 2011, tragedy struck her family when her father passed away unexpectedly, leaving her mother, Babita Tanwar, to raise Divya and her three siblings single-handedly. Financial constraints and the weight of responsibility could have easily deterred any dreamer, but not Divya. Her mother, who worked tirelessly, often in labour intensive jobs, ensured that her children had access to education and a shot at a better future.Early Education: The Foundation of SuccessDivya’s academic journey began in government schools, where she proved herself to be a dedicated student, eager to learn and excel. She later attended Navodaya Vidyalaya, where her academic brilliance was evident. Despite the many challenges she faced, Divya remained focused on her studies, realizing that education was her key to unlocking a brighter future. She completed her degree in science and soon set her sights on the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination, determined to overcome every obstacle in her path.Charting Her Own PathUnlike many aspirants who opt for expensive coaching centers, Divya chose a different route. She decided to rely on her own discipline and the wealth of online resources available. Armed with a strong will and the internet at her disposal, Divya immersed herself in self-study, taking mock tests and developing a personalized study plan. Her resourcefulness paid off when she appeared for the UPSC CSE in 2021, and at just 21 years old, she achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 438. Divya became one of the youngest officers to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), a remarkable achievement in itself.A Dream FulfilledBut Divya was not content with her initial success. Her dream was to serve as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. With renewed determination, she continued her preparation for the UPSC CSE in 2022, constantly refining her strategy and learning from her past experience. This time, her efforts bore even sweeter fruit. Divya achieved an All India Rank of 105, fulfilling her dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service.Source: Google ImagesToday, Divya Tanwar proudly serves as an IAS officer in the Manipur cadre. Her success story is an inspiring example of how resilience, hard work, and the courage to chart one’s own path can make the impossible possible.Divya’s journey teaches us several valuable lessons. First and foremost, it reminds us that setbacks and adversity need not define us. Despite financial hardships, the loss of her father, and the absence of external resources, Divya never gave up on her dreams. Instead, she turned her circumstances into a source of motivation, pushing forward with a determination that inspired everyone around her.Secondly, her story emphasizes the power of self-reliance. By opting for self-study and leveraging online resources, Divya proved that success does not always require a hefty investment in coaching centers or traditional learning methods. With focus and the right tools, anyone can achieve their goals.Lastly, Divya’s perseverance reminds us that success is often a marathon, not a sprint. Achieving her dream took two attempts, but each step along the way only strengthened her resolve to succeed.
