“Why I Chose UPSC — Even When Everyone Said No”

 

“This is the moment I paused, just before underlining a dream. A small study desk. A big map. A globe I spin every morning — not to see where I’ll go, but to remind myself where I came from. 📍”

I was born in a small village where girls don’t often dream of becoming IAS officers.

Where ambition is often exchanged for early marriage, and confidence is replaced with compromise.

But my life has never followed the rules written by others.

When I lost my mother in 4th standard, the world thought I would break.

But my father Venkata Ramana Reddy stood by me like a mountain, strong and silent.

He worked in the fields, day and night, so I could get an education. So I could dream beyond the dust of poverty.

And dream I did.

I didn’t want to “settle” for a job just for the salary.

I didn’t want to accept that girls like me don’t reach Delhi or Harvard.

I wanted to serve. To rise. To change what people think is possible.

So, I chose UPSC.

Even though people told me it’s hard.

Even though no one in my village ever prepared for civil services…

I discovered Misfits— a powerful learning initiative by Naman Shrivastava sir

who believes in shaping a world that is better led, better served, and better governed.

Naman sir has advised global governments, worked with the UN, and been honored by The Fletcher School for his leadership — yet he still chose to create something for dreamers like me.

When I joined Misfits, the investment wasn’t small.

In fact, the fee for both GS and optional was almost equal to my family’s entire yearly income.

But my father didn’t hesitate.

He didn’t ask, “Is it safe?”

He just said,“Nuvvu chaduvuko. Nenu untaanu.”(You study. I am here.)

That was the moment I stopped doubting myself.

Because when someone poor believes in your potential more than in their savings,

you don’t play small.

You prepare to serve the world.

> “I may not have the best resources. But I have the best reason.”

> That’s what makes this journey unstoppable.

So here I am — learning, growing, fighting for my dreams from a remote village.

Because deep in my heart, I know:

> “My vision is bigger than my background.

> My courage is louder than their doubts.”

I may not have money, but I have a mission.

I may not have comfort, but I have courage.

And I have one promise:

Before I turn 25, I will change my life — and someone else’s too.

Stick with me on this journey.

It’s not going to be easy.

But it’s going to be mine.

- Sandhya Velamuri, the girl who dared to dream louder than her circumstances.