Pawned gold, polished dreams: Thiruvananthapuram girl Sreeja’s remarkable journey to 57th Rank in Civil Services

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a heartwarming testament to perseverance and parental sacrifice, S. Sreeja, a young woman from Naruvamood, has secured an impressive 57th rank in the civil services examination, achieving her dream in her very first attempt. For her family, this accomplishment is more than just a career milestone—it is the culmination of years of tireless struggle and unwavering belief.

The road to success was paved with significant personal hardships. Her father, Jayakumar, a dedicated construction worker, spared no effort to ensure his daughter’s education remained uninterrupted. His commitment saw him cycling long distances to Attingal daily to work as a wage laborer, ensuring that no financial obstacle stood in the way of Sreeja’s aspirations.

Her mother, Sheeja Kumari—who holds a postgraduate degree in history and served as Sreeja’s first tutor—played an equally pivotal role. To fund Sreeja’s higher education, Sheeja pawned her thaali chain and other gold ornaments, alongside taking out loans through Kudumbashree and borrowing money at interest. Their home, "Rohini Bhavan," stands as a symbol of these sacrifices, remaining in an unfinished state while the family prioritized Sreeja’s future.

The seeds of this achievement were planted long ago. Sreeja got a 'vision board' in their modest home, a constant reminder of her singular goal: to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

"My father and mother used to say that I would succeed in the first attempt. I studied hard. My parents' confidence strengthened me," Sreeja said, reflecting on her journey.

Her academic path was marked by excellence. After completing her bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Madras Christian College, she further proved her mettle by clearing the UGC NET while still in her postgraduate program. She began her focused civil services preparation in May 2024, maintaining a rigorous schedule that eventually led to her national ranking.

Birthday Gift to Remember

The announcement of the results serves as a poignant, delayed birthday gift for the family; Sreeja turned a year older on the 2nd of this month. As news of her success spread, Rohini Bhavan has been flooded with well-wishers coming to celebrate the triumph of a girl who refused to let adversity define her path.

Sreeja’s brother, Jyotish, who is currently a first-year student at Loyola College in Chennai, joins his parents in celebrating this momentous occasion—a victory that proves that with determination and the right support, no dream is out of reach.