17 Apr. 24
Saima Seraj Ahmed, originally from a village in Uttar Pradesh, now residing in Kolkata, achieved the 165th All India Rank in the UPSC exam 2023, fulfilling her passion for societal service despite facing challenges and setbacks over the last three attempts.
In a conversation with Radiance after her success in UPSC, Saima shared her emotions, expressing that she couldn’t believe at her achievement. She described a sense of relief that her hard work had finally paid off, acknowledging her parents’ joy and crediting her faith for the outcome.
Saima emphasized the necessity of relentless effort in the UPSC journey, reflecting on her approach to success, underscoring the importance of patience and perseverance after initial setbacks.
Saima highlighted a growing awareness among minorities about the significance of education and women’s participation in societal progress regarding the educational empowerment of Muslim women, fueled by the unwavering support of her family.
Stressing the value of resilience and continuous effort, based on her experiences, Saima noted that the fear of failure and the challenge of regaining motivation post-setbacks are significant hurdles for Civil Services aspirants.
Looking ahead, Saima reiterated her lifelong commitment to societal betterment, emphasizing her passion for understanding and positively impacting communities irrespective of her role or position.
Saima’s dedication to societal causes remained her driving force, despite contemplating giving up after her third unsuccessful attempt, emphasizing that her goal extends beyond the UPSC to meaningful societal engagement and contribution.
Ultimately, Saima aspires to leverage her position in public service to serve society comprehensively and diligently.
