Meet man who couldn't afford bus fare to attend his father's funeral, later cleared UPSC to become IAS with AIR...

Ramesh Gholap's journey to becoming an IAS officer is a powerful example of determination, resilience, and hard work. Born in the small village of Mahagaon in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, Ramesh faced many challenges growing up. His father, Gorakh Gholap, ran a modest bicycle repair shop, but the family's financial situation worsened when his father’s health deteriorated due to alcoholism. Eventually, the shop had to be closed, and to support the family, Ramesh's mother, Vimal Gholap, began selling bangles in nearby villages.

Despite being affected by polio in his left leg, Ramesh joined his mother in this work, helping her sell bangles on the streets. His determination to improve his family's circumstances didn’t stop there. Ramesh was an excellent student and stood out in his school in Barsi, Maharashtra. However, in 2005, tragedy struck when he lost his father. With no money for bus fare to attend the funeral, he had to rely on the help of his neighbors to reach the rites. This moment was a turning point for Ramesh, as he realized that education was his way out of poverty.

Focused on his studies, Ramesh completed his degree in arts from an open university. In 2009, he became a teacher, but his true ambition lay elsewhere. A chance meeting with a tehsildar during his college years inspired him to dream bigger. Deciding to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), Ramesh moved to Pune to begin his preparation. His mother continued to support him, saving money for his education.

Though Ramesh faced failure in his first attempt in 2010, his determination never wavered. In 2012, he cleared the UPSC exam with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 287 under the handicapped quota, fulfilling his dream of becoming an IAS officer. Today, IAS Ramesh Gholap serves as the Joint Secretary in the Jharkhand Energy Department, a testament to his perseverance and hard work. His success story is an inspiring reminder that with dedication, one can overcome even the toughest challenges.