International Women's Day 2023: Four Incredible Women Who Challenged Their Destiny And Won

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It is possible for a woman, to break the barriers, even when she is emotionally, physically or socially challenged and still find a way out of the quagmire. The woman of today is all geared up to make use of opportunities which she knows how to manage effortlessly and set a milestone for herself. At no point in time, she feels she is socially disabled just because she was abandoned by an ill-treating spouse, or economically challenged because she is all alone, or physically challenged because she has to depend on someone for a living. She knows how to stretch herself beyond limits set by society which is too busy to listen to her.

The woman of today, of whatever financial or cultural background she comes from, comes across as a role model of womanhood. Some of the circumstances weigh heavily upon her regardless of her gender limitations. She wades along nevertheless, assuming the responsibilities and carrying them out to completion. She can absorb any level of stress and emerge untouched by its side effects. These stories are filled with inspiration and will infuse in you a never-say-die attitude. Here we have a list of such brave warriors who have made it to the top rung All India Services despite their disabilities.

1. Sweta Agarwal

She was from an ordinary background, presumably born with a lifetime of burdens and disappointments to be carried with her to the end. She was not welcomed to the world with open arms as she was a girl child and a burden which her family could not carry. Also being the daughter of a grocer, no life turning opportunities came her way. But will and determination triumphed and she topped the state, with AIR 19 in the top notch IAS examination.

It was her parent's sole dedication and determination to see her successful in her life that drove this young Marwari girl towards high achievements. Her grandparents, insisted that she learn domestic chores, be a noncontributing member and stay at home. But Shweta had a bigger vision which she converted into reality. Youngest of the 15 children but first to graduate from college, Shweta spent a major portion of her formative years studying hard for her Civil Services examinations. Although she took three attempts to clear the IAS, she achieved an impressive AIR 19 in her third try. She is a tale of grit and perseverance that we must inspire ourselves with.

2. Poovitha Subramanian

A Tamil Nadu Farmer's daughter, Poovitha Subramanian, had this burning desire to be in Civil Services from when she was a young kid and she used to enjoy dressing up as an IAS officer at fancy dress competitions. Born to a dairy farmer in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, Poovitha was the first woman graduate of her family. Having suffered the ill effects of discrimination and gender inequality, she decided to change the scenario and realized that her first step towards this was to pass the Civil Service exams. She resisted the idea of marriage when it was proposed to her by her parents whom she convinced to allow her to write the exam. Poovitha cleared the exam in her second attempt with a score of AIR 175.

4. Pranjal Patil

Pranjal has a sad but inspiring tale to tell. Having lost her vision when she was a young girl of six Pranjal was made of a sterner stuff and decided to do something constructive with her life. She cleared the exam with a score of AIR 773. The tragedy of losing both eyes could have demoralized her and depressed her motivation. Her parents gave her the hope she needed, by instilling in her strength to face things head on and help her inculcate the never say die attitude. She grew up to be fiercely strong and independent. She had a deep desire of attempting the UPSC exams which she never gave up on.

Her preparations started in 2015 and she installed a software called JAWS job access with speech which assisted her greatly in studying for UPSC. It was a very tough process altogether but Pranjal finally found a scribe who helped her write the exam and win in her very first attempt in 2016. Her story is an eye opener for many people in a similar situation.

4. Arti Dogra

A person of short stature need not be short on capabilities and achievement. To be tall in terms of achievements, dedication and perseverance is required. It is how you react to situations that determines what you are going to be. Reacting or not to situations, and reacting the right way, are very crucial skills that come in handy every time Aarti Dogra is one such officer, who stands dauntless and determined, at a height of 3 feet 2 inches that has nothing to do with her abilities as a person. Born in Dehra Dun in July 1979 to an army officer colonel Rajendra Dogra she grew up to be someone that surpassed her parent's expectations of her.

Clearing the UPSC in her very first attempt, with a score of AIR 56, she joined services in 2006. Dogra's parents offered unflinching support to her. Dogra belongs to the Rajasthan cadre 2006 batch. She has served in various positions in the Rajasthan government. .She received an award from Ram Nath Kovind, president of India for her administrative achievements. She was the most loved officer in Ajmer while she was serving under Vasundhara Raje Scindia Arti Dogra had this burning ambition to give a flawless administration whose admirable skills and abilities were noticed and acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi and Mr. Ashok Gehlot.

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