After 5 years of persistence, Narnaul’s differently-abled youth cracks UPSC

Narnaul: In a story that reflects extraordinary resilience and determination, Nitish Kumar, a differently-abled young man from Khatoti village in the Narnaul region of Mahendragarh district, secured All-India Rank 237 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, choosing Hindi Literature as his optional subject.The achievement brought pride to the rural Ahirwal belt of southern Haryana, where celebrations broke out as soon as the results were declared. Villagers gathered outside the family's modest home to congratulate Nitish and his parents, distributing sweets and hailing the success as a moment of collective pride for the community.
The 28-year-old aspirant comes from a humble agrarian family. His father, Shradhanand, is a farmer, while his mother is a homemaker who played an extraordinary role in his journey. Nitish's life took an unexpected turn when he was just four years old. Though he was born healthy, a fall while playing triggered severe swelling in both legs, eventually leaving him permanently disabled.With severely restricted mobility, much of Nitish's early childhood was spent indoors. However, a chance encounter changed the trajectory of his life. During a village census visit, a schoolteacher noticed the young boy at home and urged his parents to send him to school. The advice proved transformative."I always had a deep interest in studies," Nitish said in a telephonic conversation with this reporter. "My parents constantly motivated me to continue learning despite my physical limitations," he added.Nitish completed his Class 10 from the govt school in Khatoti and Class 12 from C L School in Narnaul. He later pursued higher education and completed his post-graduation from Krishna Nagar College and Narnaul College.Determined to enter civil services, Nitish began preparing for the UPSC examination nearly five years ago. Due to his physical condition, travelling regularly to coaching centres was not feasible. Instead, Nitish relied heavily on online classes, digital resources, and disciplined self-study to prepare for the examination.The journey was marked by persistence and repeated effort. Nitish earlier progressed to the interview stage, an experience that strengthened his confidence and motivated him to continue pursuing his goal. Finally, in his 5th attempt, he achieved success with All-India Rank 237.Recalling the moment he saw the result, Nitish said he sensed something unusual that day. "When I heard that the results were expected that day, I felt an unusual anticipation," he said. "When I checked and saw my name on the list, the first person I informed was my younger brother. After that, I called my mother, who was working in the fields."Within hours, word spread across the village and celebrations began.Nitish credits his success to the unwavering support of his family. His mother continues to care for him with remarkable dedication and often carries him in her arms when they travel outside the home. His father supported his education despite the economic uncertainties.Another important influence in his life was his uncle Hiranand, a retired Army personnel who consistently encouraged him and ensured he had the resources needed for his studies.Despite significant physical limitations — Nitish is about 4 feet tall and weighs around 21 kilograms — his determination remained unshakeable.Outside academics, Nitish has a keen interest in cricket and admires former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his composure and leadership. He also enjoys playing indoor games such as carrom. Nitish Kumar's journey is a powerful example of perseverance and aspiration emerging from rural India. In a country where millions of candidates compete every year for a limited number of positions in the civil services, his achievement highlights the transformative power of determination, family support, and access to digital education.For many young aspirants, particularly those from rural backgrounds or facing physical challenges, his success carries a profound message — perseverance and belief can turn even the most formidable obstacles into stepping stones towards achievement. MSID:: 129273893 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !