Author: Sheveta Aggarwal
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: May 14, 2005
After a 50 per cent score in Class
X, Manoj Kumar thought of quitting studies, to support his family. Today,
the 28-year-old, son of a vegetable vendor, is glad he didn't quit. Manoj
completed his MA in economics and also cleared the civil services exam
this year. His rank: 393.
"We did not have money. We had to
fund our studies and support the family too. My father had to sell vegetables
and I had to sell juice on a rehri. Things improved months with three of
my brothers taking up small jobs," says Manoj.
He had no money for coaching. His
books, too, came from a part of his earnings. "I had to buy books over
a period of time and depend on the Panjab University Library." After clearing
his MA in 2001, Manoj attempted civil services.
He cleared the prelims and that
got him all pumped up. Gruelling preparation sessions followed. Every morning,
he used to go to the Panjab University Library and prepare notes, before
another round of study at home. "Hard work was my strength. I knew I could
make it," he says.
"I had never heard about the exam
before I joined MA. It was only when I joined the university that I got
to know. I was fascinated." He has been able to realise the dream only
with the support and blessings of his father Ved Pal and mother Kaushalya
Devi, says Manoj.
