IAS Ankurjit Singh: Ankurjit Singh, an IAS officer from Punjab, has become a topic of discussion everywhere. Despite being visually impaired, he currently serves as the Chief Administrator of the Punjab Urban Development Authority. His journey from losing his eyesight to clearing one of the toughest exams in India is truly inspiring. Let’s explore how he overcame physical challenges to achieve success in the Indian Civil Services.
Hailing from Haryana
Ankurjit Singh is a resident of Rasulpur village in Yamunanagar, Haryana. He completed his early education at a government school in his village. For his 11th and 12th-grade education, he traveled daily to a school at the district headquarters, covering nearly 40 km each day. From a young age, Ankurjit was academically brilliant.
How Did He Lose His Eyesight?
Ankurjit was not born blind. Initially, his vision was just like that of any other person. However, over time, his eyesight began to deteriorate for unknown reasons. Despite prolonged treatments, there was no improvement, and eventually, he lost his vision completely.
His Mother: A Pillar of Support
Ankurjit’s mother played a crucial role in his education. Upon learning about her son’s condition, she took on the responsibility of reading aloud to him whatever he brought home from school. This way, Ankurjit continued his studies by listening. Up until the 10th grade, he studied at the village’s government school. While other children played during summer vacations, Ankurjit, with his mother’s help, would complete reading all his textbooks in advance.
Teacher as an Inspiration
During his 12th grade, one of Ankurjit’s teachers became a source of inspiration for him. She encouraged him to apply for IIT. Ankurjit took her advice, filled out the application, and was admitted to IIT Roorkee. This marked a turning point in his life. At IIT, he found many of his friends preparing for UPSC, which inspired him to start his own preparation.
Leveraging Technology for Success
At IIT, Ankurjit relied heavily on technology. He began using screen readers to assist with his studies, and when faced with challenges, he would seek help from friends. It was also during this time that he started preparing for the UPSC exam. Although he didn’t succeed in his first attempt while pursuing his B.Tech, his determination paid off. In 2017, Ankurjit cleared the Civil Services Examination on his second attempt, securing an All India Rank of 414.
Positive Takeaway
IAS Ankurjit Singh’s story shows that no challenge is too big if you’re determined and persistent. Even after losing his eyesight, he didn’t give up on his dreams. With the support of his family, help from technology, and his own hard work, he was able to clear one of the toughest exams in India. Ankurjit’s life is proof that with the right attitude and effort, we can turn challenges into opportunities for success.
