UPSC results 2017: Rajasthan tea seller’s son secures 82nd rank in first attempt

Kushal Dan Ratnu, 60, a tea stall owner at Union Circle in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district couldn’t stop smiling all day on Saturday. There had been a steady stream of people reaching his home since Friday evening when the results of the All India Civil Services Examination 2017 were declared.

Ratnu’s 28-year-old Deshal has secured 82nd rank in his maiden attempt in what is considered the toughest exmaintaion

“I worked hard for my family, which I believe is now paying back. It will give me satisfaction when people at our tea stall will talk about my son’s hard work. He has set example for others who want to make it big in their life,” news agency PTI quoted Kushal Dan as saying..

It was his first attempt and Deshal said he cleared the exam without any formal coaching.

“My elder brother, who was in the Indian Navy, was an inspiration for me. My family continued supporting me in tough times. My father sold tea for several years since 1989 at Union Chauraha,” Deshal told PTI.

A BTech graduate from IIT, Jabalpur, Deshal, a resident of Sumerlai village, completed his 10th from Jaisalmer, 12th from Kota and shifted to New Delhi to prepare for civil services examination along with his friends.

Fourth among five siblings, Deshal has also secured 5th rank in the Indian Forest Services. An elder brother helps their father at the tea shop, while another is a cattle herder.

One of his brothers was killed in a naval accident. His younger brother is studying at a Navodaya Vidhyalya.

Deshal’s cousin Shankar said his uncle never went to school and but provided an atmosphere and facilities for his sons’ education but also encouraged them to achieve their goals. “Deshal’s father’s struggle is the main reason behind his son’s success,” said Shankar.

“Despite financial constraints, my uncle had hopes that one day his son would fulfil his dream. He even borrowed money on interest for Deshal to complete his education.”

Flooded with congratulatory phone calls from the people from his village, Deshal said that proper guidance to the students in remote areas can channelise them in right direction. Hard work has no parallel, he said.

Based on the performance in the last year’s exam, a total of 990 candidates -- 750 men and 240 women -- have been recommended by the UPSC for appointment to various central government services.

While Indian Revenue Service officer Durishetty Anudeep topped the coveted civil services 2017 examination, Anu Kumari and Sachin Gupta stood second and third respectively.