In the heart of the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh lies the village of SubedarNagar Mazha, a place nestled amidst humble surroundings. Every year, for two and a half to three months, the village remains submerged in water, forcing its inhabitants to rely on a 4-kilometer boat ride to reach the main road. It was in this unassuming setting that Divya Sen Singh embarked on her extraordinary journey.
Hailing from such a challenging environment, Divya’s determination shone through. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Allahabad University and went on to complete a postgraduate degree in Economics. Her aspirations led her to attempt the prestigious UPSC exam, choosing Economics for the Prelims and Economics and Philosophy for the Mains. While her dream of clearing UPSC remained elusive, the exam ignited a passion for education within her.
Recognizing her abilities, Divya chose education as her path. In 2013, she arrived in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi, driven by a burning desire to make a difference in the field that had initially eluded her. Her goal was not only to identify the shortcomings in India’s education system but also to empower students to reach their full potential.
For over a decade, Divya dedicated herself to guiding and mentoring thousands of students. Their successes became a testament to her impact, inspiring her to explore new horizons.
Lessons for Aspirational Success
Through her years of experience, Divya has distilled valuable lessons for those seeking success in competitive exams like UPSC:
- Thoroughly Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the syllabus, connecting current events and discussions to specific topics.
- Go Beyond Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Analyze not only the correct answers to PYQs but also why the incorrect options are incorrect. Explore related concepts and potential exam scenarios.
- Multiple Readings of NCERT Textbooks: Thoroughly study NCERT textbooks at least 12 to 15 times. Avoid relying solely on coaching institute notes.
- Integrate Reading, Writing, and Speaking: Establish a strong connection between these three skills. Reading without writing or speaking limits your ability to articulate your thoughts effectively.
- Practice Writing Regularly: Jot down your daily routine each night, then have someone review it and provide feedback on your writing style.
- The Importance of Motivation: Keep in mind the prestige, status, and impact that success in UPSC or State Service can bring. Use this as your ultimate motivator.
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: True success lies in pushing yourself beyond your current limits. Like an airplane taking off from the airport, you must leave behind your comfort zone to reach new heights.
- Eliminate Problems and Excuses: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles. Identify excuses that hinder your progress and eliminate them.
- Set a Clear Goal: Place a poster with your target (IAS or IPS) prominently in view. This constant reminder will keep you motivated and on track.
A Journey of Transformation
Until May 2023, Divya’s life had been relatively stable. However, events unfolded that would profoundly shape her path. Her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary brought the entire family together in Delhi, followed by a celebration in Nainital. It was the first time the entire family had come together for such a special occasion.
On June 1st, Divya attended a wedding in Gorakhpur, accompanied by her father. His health had been declining for a while, but he refused to seek medical attention. On August 17th, 2023, after several attempts to convince him, Divya finally took her father to the hospital.
After days of hospital visits and various treatments, her father’s condition worsened. While driving him to the hospital for a scheduled appointment on August 18th, he passed away in her arms.
The shock of losing her father, combined with the betrayal she felt from some family members during this difficult time, plunged Divya into severe depression for five months.
Gradually, with the support of well-wishers who had been encouraging her throughout her journey, Divya regained her strength. Recognizing her resilience and the energy she possessed, she founded a platform called Dawalni PCS.
In a short period, Dawalni PCS has grown to a community of over 3000 students. The platform provides guidance, support, and career counseling to those aspiring to success in UPSC or State Service. If you want to prepare for civil services exam then drishti ias fees can prove to be a better option for you
Career Counseling Program
Many students face pressure from their families to pursue certain career paths, regardless of their own interests or abilities. To address this issue, Divya’s team is launching a Career Counseling Program (RABBIT) to help students identify their true potential and make informed decisions about their futures.
Conclusion
In the words of the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, “When the iron heats, it gains strength; when the gold faces fire, it shines brighter than the sun.” To achieve success, you must be willing to push yourself beyond your limits, just as a river must leave the mountains to gain respect.
Remember, you possess limitless capabilities. Set your goals high, work tirelessly, and never give up on your dreams. Just like Divya Sen Singh, who emerged from a humble village to make a difference in the world of education, you too can overcome adversity and achieve your aspirations.
