A son who sold bangles with his mother became an IAS officer; this story will touch your heart.

UPSC Success Story: Ramesh Gholap, who suffered from polio and poverty in his childhood, took inspiration from his mother's struggle and cracked the UPSC exam and became an IAS officer.

If your dreams are big and your courage is strong, even difficulties cannot stop you. This is the story of Ramesh Gholap, a boy born in a small village in Maharashtra, who overcame poverty, helplessness, and diseases like polio to fulfill his dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Ramesh contracted polio in his left leg when he was a child. The family's financial situation was dire. His father owned a small bicycle shop, but his alcohol addiction destroyed everything. Things became so dire that his mother had to sell bangles on the street, and Ramesh would sit with her with his polio-affected leg.

Father's death and a journey of Rs 2

Ramesh studied in his village until the 12th grade. During this time, his father passed away. Upon receiving the news, he wanted to return home immediately, but he didn't have even two rupees in his pocket—not even enough for the bus fare. Something inside him broke at that moment, but that pain ignited a fire within him to do something.

Mother became the biggest inspiration.

The entire responsibility of the household fell on his mother. She would sell bangles from morning till evening, while Ramesh would concentrate on his studies. His mother always said, "Son, don't give up your studies. This is your weapon." After 12th grade, Ramesh earned a diploma to become a teacher and began teaching children in the village. This helped support the household, and he also completed his BA degree.

Preparations started by borrowing

Ramesh's dream was to become an IAS officer. He quit his job and devoted himself diligently to preparing for the UPSC. He took the exam for the first time in 2010, but failed. His mother then borrowed money from villagers so Ramesh could go to the city to study. Upon arriving in Pune, he began preparing without coaching. He would study 12 to 14 hours a day, knowing that hard work was the only way to overcome poverty.

Dream becomes reality

After hard work and struggle, Ramesh passed the UPSC exam in 2012. He secured the 287th rank and was selected as an IAS officer under the disabled quota.