Persistence and patience are paramount for achieving success, as outcomes may not always be immediate. Those who possess the fortitude to continue despite challenges often find themselves triumphant. A shining example of such resilience is the story of IFS Pujya Priyadarshini, whose journey from corporate comfort to civil service courage is nothing short of inspiring.
Born into a middle-class family in Delhi, Pujya Priyadarshini demonstrated an early inclination towards academia and success. She completed her undergraduate studies in Commerce (B.Com), a field where she showcased her knack for understanding complex economic principles and business strategies. Her thirst for knowledge and ambition didn’t stop there; she pursued her post-graduate studies in Public Administration at the prestigious University of Columbia in New York.
Upon completing her studies, Pujya’s exceptional academic record and talent did not go unnoticed. She received multiple job offers from some of the most esteemed companies globally. Eventually, she chose to work for a highly reputed firm, where she spent two productive years. Despite the financial security and the professional accolades, an undercurrent of dissatisfaction began to surface. Pujya realized that while her job was prestigious, it lacked a deeper, meaningful impact on society—a sentiment that grew too strong to ignore.
Driven by an aspiration to contribute to her nation in a significant manner, Pujya decided to channel her energies toward becoming a civil servant. The journey ahead was not devoid of hurdles. Her initial foray into the rigorous UPSC examination in 2013 was met with failure. Unnerved but not defeated, she attempted the exam again, only to encounter another setback after reaching the interview stage but not securing a final selection.
Undaunted by these experiences, Pujya made the crucial decision to take a three-year hiatus solely to prepare for the exam. During these years, she dedicated herself to an intensive regimen of study, mock interviews, and consultations with mentors. Her unyielding dedication yielded progress, but not success just yet. In 2016, she advanced to the interview round once more, but the outcome was not in her favor.
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The persistent string of near-misses and failures would have disheartened anyone, and Pujya was no exception. She faced a pivotal moment in 2017 after narrowly missing the mark yet again. The notion of abandoning her UPSC aspirations loomed large. However, spurred by the unwavering support and encouragement from her family, she resolved to give it one more shot.
In 2018, her perseverance finally bore fruit. Pujya Priyadarshini not only cleared the UPSC examination but did so with flying colors, securing an impressive All India Rank of 11. Her extraordinary journey from persistent failure to spectacular success is a manifest testament to the virtues of hard work and resilience. Given her stellar ranking, she had the choice of several prestigious services. She opted to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), a decision that perfectly aligned with her intent to make a meaningful contribution on a global platform.
Today, Pujya serves as a diplomat, stationed in France. Her roles and responsibilities extend to representing India in international forums, fostering diplomatic relations, and promoting Indian interests abroad. Her journey from corporate corridors to consular halls illustrates a remarkable transformation fueled by an unyielding will.
When asked about her success mantra, Pujya places paramount importance on two principles: hard work and patience. She emphasizes that the UPSC exam is not just a test of knowledge but a rigorous evaluation of one’s perseverance and dedication. She advises aspiring candidates to remain steadfast, irrespective of the obstacles that come their way. Pujya’s journey echoes a loud and clear message—while the path to success is fraught with challenges, unwavering dedication and patience will eventually lead to the pinnacle of achievement.
Her story is not merely about passing an examination but serves as a larger metaphor for life itself. It underscores that true success is not necessarily measured by instant results but by the endurance and relentless pursuit of one’s goals. Through unwavering determination, Pujya Priyadarshini has etched her name among the inspiring figures in Indian civil service, proving that the journey, no matter how arduous, is undeniably worth it.
