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UPSC Success Stories – 4

Real People, Real Dreams, Real Success

Sivaguru Prabhakaran: Rank 101, 2017

Cracking UPSC exam is not so easy as it needs strong preparation and adequate economic support from family. However, if one is determined to succeed in life, all these situations and hurdles wont matter. Such is the case of Tamil Nadu’s M Sivaguru Prabhakaran, who cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) in 2017, despite all difficulties and financial problems. Now, he has become an inspiration for all in his society.

Early Life and Challenges

Prabhakaran was born into a family of farmers, experiencing the hardships of agricultural life from a young age. His early life was marked by the sight of his mother and sister tirelessly working in the fields and weaving bamboo baskets at night to sustain the family. 

Compounded by his father's struggle with alcohol addiction, Prabhakaran's family faced severe financial difficulties. This situation forced him to halt his education and work as a sawmill operator, alongside farming, to support his family.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite these hardships, Prabhakaran possessed an unwavering determination to improve his circumstances. He meticulously allocated his modest income between his family's immediate needs and his educational ambitions. 

After his sister's marriage, he resumed his studies and took on the responsibility of supporting his brother's education as well. His perseverance paid off when he secured admission to the civil engineering program at the Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology in Vellore in 2008.

Striving for Educational and Career Goals

To afford his college tuition, Prabhakaran balanced his studies with temporary jobs, spending weekends studying at St. Thomas Mount railway station. 

His ultimate ambition was to succeed in the UPSC CSE examination. 

Despite several setbacks, his relentless effort and resilience culminated in his remarkable achievement of securing the All India Rank (AIR) of 101 on his fourth attempt in 2017.

Inspiration and Success

Prabhakaran's journey from a struggling farmer's son to an IAS officer is a testament to his indomitable spirit and determination. 

His success story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants across India, proving that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to extraordinary achievements. 

Prabhakaran's life underscores the message that with determination and hard work, dreams can indeed become reality.