Cerebral Palsy and wheelchair did not slow her down; Sharika with 922nd rank in civil services exam

KOZHIKODE: When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. The great goal of civil service surrendered to the determination of differently abled Sharika who was holding on to that belief and was working hard. Born with cerebral palsy, AK Sharika can only move three fingers of her left hand. Sharika achieved her dream by overcoming her limitations while sitting in a wheelchair.

This is Sharika's second attempt at civil service. This time, Sharika cracked the country's biggest competitive exam by securing 922nd rank. Sharika is the daughter of Keezhariyur natives Shashi and Rakhi. Her sister Devika is a plus two student.

Father and mother for support

Sharika's strength is her father and mother. Sharika said that she set the goal of civil service unexpectedly and was very happy to get on the rank list. Having a centre in Kozhikode for prelims was very convenient. She went to Thiruvananthapuram for the week-long main exam. For this, Sharika's father, who was working in Qatar, came home. Sharika always had her family to support her.

Sharika studied under 'Project Chithrashalabham', an initiative launched by Absolute IAS Academy founder Dr Jobin S Kottaram to provide free civil service training to differently-abled students.

Jessica Cox as role model

Sharika's role model is Jessica Cox, the world's first licensed armless pilot. Sharika said that the belief that the universe would be there for her if she wanted to was what kept her going.