The narrative of Tamali Saha, a young aspirant hailing from the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has recently been etched into the annals of inspirational success stories, as she emerged triumphant in the esteemed UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination right at her initial attempt, at the tender age of 23.
This chronicle of victory and determination begins in the local schools of North 24 Parganas, where Saha laid the groundwork for her academic journey. Demonstrating an early predilection for the natural sciences, Saha continued her educational pursuit at Kolkata University where she specialized in Zoology.
While many students grapple with the equilibrium between academic coursework and additional aspirations, Saha managed to sustain an exceptional focus towards her goal—joining the coveted ranks of India’s civil servants. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, recognized for their rigor and high level of competition, demand substantial preparation and unyielding dedication.
Against this backdrop, during her tenure in college, Saha dedicated her energies towards comprehensive preparation for the UPSC exam. Her deterministic approach was not merely confined within the walls of her university but also extended beyond, into the complexities of environmental policies, forestry, wildlife conservation, and the plethora of subjects that the UPSC syllabus encompasses.
The year 2020 heralded the fruits of her unwavering labor when Saha not only passed the UPSC IFS examination but did so with notable distinction, bagging an enviable All India Rank of 94. This achievement propelled her straight into the echelons of the Indian Forest Service, a prestigious body tasked with the stewardship of the nation’s vast and diverse forest reserves.
Saha’s success is mirrored in the inspiration she has become for countless youths across India, who dream of cracking such highly competitive examinations. Her accomplishment illustrates the power of hard work and determination, reinforcing the adages that have long extolled the virtues of perseverance.
Crucially, Saha’s journey has fortified the belief in the merit-based system of the UPSC examinations, which stands as a testament to the opportunity it provides to candidates from all walks of life to serve the country. It has highlighted the role of education and foresight in unlocking doors to influential and impactful careers.
Not only did Saha achieve her dreams, but she also achieved the privilege of serving in her home state of West Bengal, where she can contribute directly to the protection and preservation of the unique biodiversity and the green patrimony of the region. It is here, amid the flora and fauna that she has studied and revered, that Saha will don the mantle of responsibility to formulate and implement policies that foster sustainable development and conservation efforts.
The awe-inspiring feat of Saha stands as a beacon of hope, urging aspiring candidates to believe in the potential that lies within consistent effort and focused intent. The young IFS officer’s story serves as a reminder that the road to one’s dreams may be arduous and fraught with challenges, but it is traversable with the steely resolve and the audacity to envision success.
The tale of Tamali Saha’s ascent to the Indian Forest Service is one that will be recounted for years to come, encouraging upcoming generations to translate their own impossible into the possible—with the same unwavering ambition and hard work that she herself exemplified.
