Daijiworld Media Network - Sant Kabir Nagar
Sant Kabir Nagar, June 23: Iqbal Ahmed, the son of a former bicycle mechanic from Nandaur in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar district, has scripted an inspiring success story by securing the 998th rank in the 2024 UPSC Civil Services Examination. His achievement has sparked celebrations in the small town, as neighbours and well-wishers gathered to congratulate his family and offer sweets.
The youngest of four siblings, Iqbal grew up in modest circumstances. His father, Maqbool Ahmed Ansari, once ran a small bicycle repair shop near the Nandaur railway junction. Despite their financial struggles, Maqbool and his wife Kasidun Nis always encouraged their children to prioritise education.
“Life was difficult. There were times when feeding the family was a challenge,” Maqbool recalled. “But we never let that stand in the way of our children’s dreams. We told them, ‘Just study—leave the rest to us.’”
Over time, the family's situation gradually improved. Iqbal’s eldest brother, Syed Ali, took up house-painting work to support the family, allowing Maqbool to shut his repair shop and work from home. This helped Iqbal continue his studies without interruption.
After completing his intermediate education in Nandaur, Iqbal moved to Gorakhpur for his undergraduate studies. Determined to crack the civil services exam, he later shifted to Delhi for focused preparation. To support himself, he took a job in the labour department. Even with the stability of government employment, Iqbal remained committed to his long-held dream of becoming a civil servant.
His perseverance finally paid off with his success in the 2024 UPSC exam. “This is not just a personal milestone,” said Iqbal, “It is the result of years of struggle and sacrifice by my parents.”
His mother, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed her pride. “We have worked hard all our lives to give our children a better future. Today, I feel all that effort was worth it,” said Kasidun Nis. “I hope Iqbal’s story inspires many more children from humble backgrounds.”
Iqbal’s journey from a small town to the elite ranks of India’s civil services has become a beacon of hope in Nandaur—an example of how perseverance, parental support, and self-belief can overcome even the toughest odds.