Meet man, rickshaw puller’s son, once faced humiliation for being poor, cracked UPSC, became IAS officer with AIR…, his name is..

Read the success story of a man, rickshaw puller's son, once faced humiliation for being poor, cracked UPSC, became IAS officer.

Oct 7, 2025 - 15:30
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Meet man, rickshaw puller’s son, once faced humiliation for being poor, cracked UPSC, became IAS officer with AIR…, his name is..

The inspiring journey of IAS officer Govind Jaiswal from Varanasi exemplifies that for a driven person, nothing can stop them. People at one point advised him to either drive an auto rickshaw or employ his sisters to clean utensils in others’ homes. During those times, Govind calmly listened to everything without saying anything, as he had faith in himself that one day he would have success prove them wrong. The journey of IAS topper Govind Jaiswal is a story of hard work and determination. It is definitely challenging to be an IAS topper, especially coming from a family of people struggling with poverty.

Who is the rickshaw puller’s son who became an IAS officer?

Govind Jaiswal, who is originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was raised in very modest circumstances. His father, Narayan Jaiswal, supported the family by driving a rickshaw, while his mother was a housewife. Sadly, she died due to a brain hemorrhage when Govind was in the seventh grade.

It is to be noted that Govind has three siblings. The family of five lived together in a tiny 10×12 feet room in Alipurwa, Varanasi. The medical expenses for his mother’s treatment were extremely high, pushing the family into severe poverty.

What challenges did Govind Jaiswal face growing up in poverty?

According to the media reports, Govind Jaiswal, in a media interview, talked about the rough period when everyone suggested he should drive an auto rickshaw and that his sisters should help wash other people’s plates. At the time, he remained mum and listened to it all without arguing or getting upset. His father did all that he could to help his children prosper in their studies and efforts, so he knew that one day they could take care of themselves. All three children were inspired by their father’s work and teachings never to give up. The siblings finished their graduation.

When he was 11, Govind Jaiswal experienced a humiliating incident at a friend’s house that would change his life forever. When he was playing with his friend, the father of that friend asked about Govind’s family. When the father was informed that Govind’s father was a rickshaw puller, Govind’s friend’s father scolded him severely and sent him away.

Govind did not have the mental capacity to fully comprehend the reason for his humiliation, as children do not always understand the social stigma of economic inequality. Nevertheless, an elderly man he knew explained to him the harsh realities of the world and warned him that if he did not change his life, he would suffer the same fate for the rest of his life. When asked about the top position of service, Govind was told that the India(BHARAT)n Administrative Service(IAS) in India(BHARAT) was the highest-ranking job. It was at this moment that an ambition was conceived.

Who inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming an IAS officer?

When he turned 11 years old, Govind decided that he would be an IAS officer one day; however, the situation was wrought with difficulty. The family had to live on his father’s insufficient earnings. Additionally, his father could not hear well and had a hurt leg. It was difficult for Govind to study when people would say things like “What will you do with your studies? Just drive a rickshaw.”

Govind’s father reportedly sold a piece of his land to afford Govind’s further studies in Delhi. In the meantime, his father’s leg became increasingly worse, and he could no longer drive the rickshaw. To save money, Govind taught math tuitions in Delhi and even skipped meals at times; he understood he could not let anyone down — there was no option for him besides being successful.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  1. The journey of IAS topper Govind Jaiswal is a story of hard work and determination.
  2. Govind Jaiswal, who is originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was raised in very modest circumstances.
  3. His father, Narayan Jaiswal, supported the family by driving a rickshaw.
  4. He got 48th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2006.

When did Govind Jaiswal crack the UPSC exam, and what was his rank?

Govind Jaiswal, who studied Mathematics from a government school in Varanasi and Harishchandra University, was aware that he would not have a lot of time. His family was financially weak, and he could not sit for the UPSC for many years. So, he put his best effort into the first attempt and got 48th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2006. Currently, Govind Jaiswal is serving as Joint Secretary in the Higher Education Department of the Government of India(BHARAT).

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