How he defeated poverty to become an IAS officer
When 2016 UPSC results were declared, two names were widely covered: Tina Dabi and Athar Aamir Khan, for being the first two rankers and for being lovers. However, one name that stood out was Ansar Shaikh's. Not just because he was one of India's youngest IAS officers, but because he hailed from a drought-prone village and grew up amidst extreme poverty. Here's his story.
Ansar now an Assistant Secretary in Department of Commerce
Ansar's journey from his drought-hit village of Shelgaon in Jalna district of Marathwada till here was far from smooth. He has witnessed social stigmas, religious discrimination, domestic violence, child marriage, alcoholism, polygamy, etc. The word education was taboo for his family. But Ansar is now an Assistant Secretary in the Suresh Prabhu-led Department of Commerce, having been posted this month.
He went to reputed Fergusson College to pursue graduation
His auto-driver father and mother, who works in the farmlands, wanted him to drop out of school and start earning. But his teachers intervened and he continued his education. Having scored a stunning 91% in class-XII, he went to Pune's reputed Fergusson College to pursue graduation in political science. His father's meager savings and brother Anees' monthly salary of Rs. 6,000 funded his sustenance.
He learnt what UPSC was only in college
While in Fergusson, he learnt about UPSC exams, which gave him a direction and sparked a fire inside him. But he needed Rs. 70,000 for training, which was unaffordable. Unique Academy's Tukaram Jadhav halved it for Ansar. Still, his father had to sell his house. Having faced several roadblocks, Ansar knew he "wouldn't have resources for another attempt." He toiled hard, studying 12hrs daily.
After clearing UPSC Prelims, his family faced major tragedy
It was May-June'15 when he appeared for the Prelims and cracked it. He also cleared the Main, despite facing a family tragedy: his sister's husband died due to alcoholism. It was the time for Interview, which was to be held in Delhi. While his accommodation was arranged by Zakat Foundation, Marathwada Mitra Mandal College of Commerce Secretary BG Jadhav assisted with other expenses.
Shia or Sunni? "I'm an Indian Muslim"
At the interview, a retired IAS officer was in the panel, who asked him his sect, to which he replied, "I'm an Indian Muslim," leaving the panellists impressed. When the results were declared, Ansar's rank was 361. As an IAS officer, he wants to get rid of the Hindu-Muslim divide and provide suitable environment for children to study and excel.
'Having faced discrimination, it's my mission to promote religious equality'
"I had to change my name to Shubham to get accommodation in Pune. Having faced that, it's my mission to promote religious equality," he said, wrapping up by saying, "Poverty and success has no correlation. I believed that and still do."
