Daily newespaper cuttings

"Dad was a coconut tree climber. People assumed I had no future. In fact, they’d mock me saying, ‘You too will reach great heights!’ I hated that. In 2012, when he passed away abruptly while working, I was left in charge of the house at the age of 17. Amma, Bhai and I weren’t well off, but I knew I had to go on. So, I completed school and in the next 3 years, I started working part-time to keep the family afloat. I painted buildings, worked as a delivery boy, a shopkeeper, and even a restaurant staff. In 2015, I saved up and tried getting my degree, but it was tough to do both. So, I dropped out. But I’d keep thinking, ‘I need to find a job that secures my future!’ So in 2019, when my uncle suggested that I try to crack PSC exams, I considered it. Amma said, ‘It’ll be good to have a government job, Abin.’ So, I made another attempt at studying. I’d sit on my bike and learn. I used to take spare sheets from hotels to practice. Needless to say, this caught peoples’ attention. Mockingly, they’d ask, ’You really think you can crack it?’ I paid no heed because I believed that my hard work would pay off. So in 2019, I quit working. I’d study for almost 15 hours everyday. For the next 2 years, I gave it my all. And finally in 2021, I passed all 11 papers with excellent ranks. Amma had tears of joy! I was selected to work under the deputy collector in the revenue department. As I signed my name in, I almost couldn’t believe that I am officially a government employee! With my first salary, I took Amma and my brother shopping. I got her two sarees and a shirt for my brother. The smile on their faces will forever be etched in my heart. Today at 27, my biggest takeaway from life is that there are no shortcuts to success. And although people mocked me throughout my journey, I have actually reached great heights because of their taunts!”.