From the humble corridors of Amdara, a quaint village in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, emerged a trailblazer who defied conventions and proved that language or socio-economic background are mere variables in the equation of success. Surbhi Gautam’s journey from a Hindi-medium student in a remote village to an esteemed IAS officer is the testament to sheer determination and hard work.
For Surabhi, challenges were a part and parcel of her life, but she chose to turn them into stepping stones. The fact that she studied in Hindi throughout her school years never impeded her success. Rather, it reinforced her belief that one’s mother tongue isn’t a barrier, but a strength to be embraced.
Her academic prowess was evident early on. Securing the top rank in her university during her engineering studies, she shone as a gold medalist. Such was her dedication that in 2016, she clinched the 50th rank in the prestigious Civil Services Examination.
Surbhi’s roots trace back to Amdara, a village with a mere population of 1000. Born into a joint family, her father’s profession as a lawyer and her mother’s role as a teacher had always emphasized the value of education. This foundation no doubt played a role in her own aspirations. After 10th grade, the dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) took seed in her mind, a goal she ardently pursued.
Venturing into higher studies, Surabhi took the State Engineering Entrance Exam, eventually securing a seat in a government college where she specialized in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Here, she faced the challenge of transitioning from Hindi to English. Yet, with resilience and dedication, by the end of her first semester, not only had she mastered English, but she also topped the university and was honored by the Vice Chancellor.
But academics was just one facet of her brilliance. After her stellar performance in engineering, she served the nation as a nuclear scientist at the Indian Atomic Research Centre. Her commendable achievements didn’t stop there. In 2013, she topped the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam and as previously mentioned, secured a remarkable 50th rank in the 2016 Civil Services Examination.
Surbhi Gautam’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, especially for the youth who might feel restrained by their backgrounds or circumstances. She has shown that with determination, grit, and the right intentions, any dream, no matter how big, can be realized.