When a daughter fulfilled her father’s UPSC dream

Uttarakhand girl Mudra Gairola’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a powerful story of perseverance, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of a long-cherished family dream. Hailing from the scenic yet challenging terrain of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, Mudra grew up with a deep awareness of the struggles and aspirations that shape life in the hills. 

From an early age, she was inspired by her father’s unfulfilled dream of clearing the Civil Services Examination. In 1973, her father had aspired to become a civil servant and prepared for the UPSC examination, but circumstances and challenges of that era stood in the way, leaving the dream incomplete for nearly five decades.

Determined To Shape Her Dreams

Determined to give shape to that dream, Mudra initially chose a professional path in dentistry. She worked hard to build a promising career in the medical field, yet felt a deeper calling towards public service. With immense courage, she made the difficult decision to give up a secure dental career and dedicate herself fully to UPSC preparation—an exam known for its uncertainty and intense competition.

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The journey was far from easy. Mudra faced multiple setbacks and failures, each attempt testing her patience and resolve. However, she treated every failure as a learning experience, refining her strategy and strengthening her determination. Her perseverance paid off in 2021 when she cleared the UPSC examination and was selected as an IPS officer, marking a major milestone in her journey.

Driven By Larger Vision

But Mudra was not ready to stop there. Driven by a larger vision of governance and administration, she continued her preparation with renewed focus. In 2022, on her fifth attempt, she finally achieved her ultimate goal by securing a place in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Her success not only transformed her own life but also fulfilled her father’s 50-year-old dream.

Mudra Gairola’s story stands as an inspiration for countless aspirants, proving that perseverance, belief, and courage can turn even the longest-held dreams into reality.