UPSC Success Story: IAS Sreenath's Journey From Railway Station Coolie To UPSC Success Without Reading Any Book

IAS Sreenath

New Delhi: In the tapestry of our lives, setbacks often cast a shadow, prompting us to question our destiny, especially when we possess ample resources. Yet, amidst this narrative of adversity, there shines a beacon of inspiration in the form of IAS Officer Sreenath K. His journey, from the humble beginnings of toiling as a railway coolie, to conquering India's most formidable exam, the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), stands as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

Sreenath's saga defies the conventional narrative of success, for he did not traverse the well-trodden path of expensive study materials or elite coaching. Instead, armed only with the free WiFi available at the railway station where he diligently labored, he embarked on his quest for excellence. In the absence of financial means to procure pricey books or attend coaching classes, he relied solely on his unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit to manifest his aspirations of donning the prestigious mantle of an IAS officer.

Hailing from the picturesque town of Munnar in Kerala, Sreenath's journey epitomizes the triumph of human spirit over adversity. As the primary breadwinner for his family, he labored tirelessly, undertaking double shifts as a coolie in Ernakulam, earning a modest daily wage of Rs 400-500. Yet, amidst the grind of his daily existence, he nurtured an unyielding ambition to serve his nation as a civil servant.

Sreenath's odyssey underscores the transformative power of opportunity, as he seized upon the availability of free WiFi at Mumbai Central Railway Station in 2016 to fuel his intellectual pursuits. Relocating to Mumbai, he adeptly balanced the demands of his laborious occupation with his voracious appetite for knowledge, utilizing his smartphone to access online lectures while fulfilling his duties at the station.

His journey was not without its trials and tribulations, as he encountered setbacks in his initial attempts at cracking the monumental challenge of the UPSC examination. Yet, undeterred by adversity, he persevered, steadfast in his resolve to transcend his circumstances and realize his dreams.

Through sheer grit and perseverance, Sreenath's perseverance finally bore fruit as he triumphed over adversity in his fourth attempt, securing an impressive All India Rank to ascend to the esteemed ranks of an IAS officer. His narrative serves as a poignant reminder that success is not solely defined by one's circumstances or resources, but by the tenacity of spirit and unwavering commitment to one's goals.