This was Divya’s third attempt. In her previous attempt, she couldn’t make it into the list by two marks. For her achievement, Divya gives credit to her mother, who couldn’t study because of lack of opportunity, but ensured that her daughter’s dreams were fulfilled.
“My mother is the biggest source of inspiration and strength. Because of a lack of educational opportunity, she remained a homemaker and took care of all of us. She never lost hope even after I failed in my earlier two attempts to clear civil services exams,” said the topper who is MSc in statistics from St John’s College in Agra. She hails from Rami Gadi village of Etmadpur tehsil in Agra district.
Speaking to TOI over phone, Divya said, “I want to uplift women and girls specially of rural areas, as they have very less opportunities to grow. In fact, in the interview, the panel asked me what I can do for such an underprivileged population—and I said the key is good quality education, vocational training and self-help groups for financial stability.”
Eldest among the three siblings, Divya’s younger brother Deepak Sikarwar is posted in escort duty of SP Kasganj Saurabh Dixit, while the youngest brother Kapil is pursuing BSc.
“No doubt Divya’s success is because of Saroj. She was always there. I feel proud of my wife and daughter. My daughter brought laurels to the family and village, but it was my wife who helped her in that endeavor,” said Rajpal Singh, who retired from BSF in 2012 and is a social worker.
The family’s prime source of income is farming.
Meanwhile, the proud but shy mother of Divya, said, “I’m happy over my daughter’s feat. She studied for hours and even took care of homely affairs. She will be a good leader.”
After the declaration of results, Etmadpur MLA Dharampal Singh visited Rami Gadi village and congratulated Divya and her family.
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