In the undulating terrains of Kerala’s Wayanad district lies Pojuthana, a quiet village that recently made headlines because of a tenacious woman named Sridhanya Suresh. She is not just another civil servant; Sridhanya holds the esteemed distinction of being Kerala’s first tribal IAS woman.
Origin and Tribal Heritage:
Hailing from the serene village of Pojuthana, Sridhanya is a proud member of the Kurichiya tribe. This tribal identity adds layers to her already inspiring story.
A Humble Beginning:
Economic constraints characterized her early life. Sridhanya’s father, a daily wage laborer, put food on the table by selling bows and arrows at the village market. Her mother, contributing equally to the household, worked under the MNREGA scheme.
Education Amidst Adversity:
Despite the shackles of poverty and scant resources, Sridhanya’s indomitable spirit was evident. She pursued her initial education in Wayanad, relentlessly focusing on academics.
Higher Education and Early Career:
Sridhanya’s academic journey didn’t halt at basic schooling. She earned her Master’s degree in Applied Zoology from Calicut University. Later, she served as a clerk in the Scheduled Tribe Development Department of Kerala, indicating her early inclination towards civil service and public welfare.
A Glimpse of Destiny:
While managing her job, Sridhanya also took on the responsibility as the warden of a tribal hostel in Wayanad. For her, encountering an IAS officer wasn’t just an official meeting; it was a turning point that gave her a vision for her future.
The IAS Dream:
Inspired, Sridhanya set her heart on joining the Indian Administrative Service. Her preparatory journey began with coaching from the Civil Services Training Center of Tribal Welfare. Determined to avail the best guidance, she later moved to Thiruvananthapuram to continue her studies.
Setbacks on the Journey:
Success wasn’t immediate. Sridhanya’s initial attempts at the UPSC exam were met with disappointment. Despite her sincere efforts, she couldn’t clear the exam in her first two tries.
Triumph Through Tenacity:
Refusing to yield, Sridhanya embodied perseverance. Her consistent hard work bore fruit in 2018 when she cleared the UPSC exam in her third attempt, securing an impressive All India rank of 410.
Sridhanya Suresh’s story isn’t just about individual achievement. It’s about a community that comes together to support its own, a young woman who dares to dream big despite adversity, and the spirit of determination that can propel anyone to great heights, regardless of where they start.