Society sees motherhood as the end of a woman’s education, career, business, and freedom to follow their dreams. They have established an image that ideally portrays a mother as a person whose life revolves only around her children and family. It’s not a surprise that numerous societal taboos comes along with a girl child in India. But rather than accepting the boundaries, women are now bashing all the stereotypes and attaining success.
A 31-year-old corporate employee, Anu Kumari did the same and proved that having kids and a family is not an excuse for chasing your passion. She became the second topper of the UPSC exams, proving that nothing is impossible if you are determined towards your goal.
Quit her corporate job
Anu graduated from the Delhi University Hindu college in 2006. She pursued her MBA from IMT Nagpur and began her corporate career of nine years. Since the beginning, Anu’s aim was to be in the country and serve the people. For this, she wanted to become an IAS officer.
“I worked in the corporate sector for nine years but somehow the sense of contentment was always lacking. I kept feeling as if there was no meaning to life,” says Anu to The Hindu. Finally, in June 2016, she quit her job and appeared for the UPSC exam in 2017. “It was my first proper attempt (in civil services exam).”
Anu first appeared for the exams in 2016 when she missed the advancing the prelims by just one mark. “Technically, this was my second attempt, but I consider it as my first only because I could not prepare at all last time. I’m glad that I cleared it this time or next year would have been my last attempt due to the age limit,” she said.
To curb crime against women
Anu’s first preference is to be an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as she wants to stay in India and serve the country. Her top priority is to tackle matters related to the safety of women in the country. “I want all women across India to feel safe,” she said.
The second rank holder in the UPSC Civil Services Exam had an overwhelming support from her husband and two-and-a-half-year-old son. On Saturday, she underwent training as a bureaucrat with Haryana Government and got named as the brand ambassador of ‘Beti-Bachao, Beti-Padhao’ programme in Sonipat.
“For over a year I stayed in Sonipat at my aunt’s place. All this while I was away from my child. Even though it was difficult, he was the reason I felt motivated,” she said.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, in praise for Anu, said, “That by drawing inspiration from her, our daughters would continue to work hard to show their capabilities.” He also congratulated all other candidates from the state for having cracked the prestigious civil services examinations this year.
When asked about the reason behind her inspiration to behold the position of an IAS officer, she said, “I come from Haryana, where we see regularly the regressive nature of society and increasing crimes against women. Since I have got this amazing opportunity now, I would like to make most of it and work on women’s empowerment.”
We wish that more women like Anu would step up and follow their dreams along with taking care of their children and family. We wish Anu all the best for her future.
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