About 12th fail
The inspiring story of IPS (Indian Police Service) officer Manoj Kumar Sharma is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing failure in his 12th-grade board examination, Manoj’s journey was marked by a series of challenging jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a peon, drove a tempo, and even walked dogs for others.
Throughout his struggles, his girlfriend, who is now his wife, provided unwavering support and motivation. Manoj’s relentless efforts paid off when he successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2005 on his fourth attempt. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the support of loved ones in achieving one’s goals.
Born in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, IPS officer Sharma hails from a humble background. His family managed to make both ends meet, but his early academic journey presented significant challenges. In school, he nurtured a dream of becoming an officer, but his academic results didn’t seem to align with this aspiration. He achieved a third division in both his 9th and 10th standard examinations, but the most significant setback was yet to come. In his 12th board examinations, he faced a daunting hurdle as he failed in all subjects, with the exception of Hindi.
Once, his tempo was confiscated by the police, prompting him to visit the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) office. When his turn came, he asked the SDM a simple yet profound question, “How can I become an SDM like you?” The surprised SDM advised him to prepare well for the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam and secure a good rank to become an officer.
From that moment, Mr. Sharma began taking competitive exams seriously. He moved to Gwalior and enrolled in a graduation course, even though his financial situation was dire. At one point, he had no place to live and resorted to sleeping alongside beggars in temples.
His circumstances improved when he found work as a peon in a library. He seized the opportunity to read about eminent personalities whenever he could. He delved into the lives of figures like Maxim Gorky and Abraham Lincoln, gaining profound insights into various aspects of life. This newfound wisdom ignited his ambition to appear for the UPSC exam, gradually turning into an unwavering goal.
During this time, he completed his graduation from Maharani LaxmiBai Government College of Excellence in Gwalior.
The persistent idea of appearing for the UPSC exam kept gnawing at him, leading Mr. Sharma to shift to Delhi to pursue serious preparations. Here, he even walked dogs for people to earn some extra income, receiving Rs. 400 for each job.
Another pivotal aspect of his life was his love life, which played a significant role in shaping his career in the Civil Services. During this period, he secretly fell in love with a girl but hesitated to express his feelings, fearing that his “12th fail” background might be a hindrance.
Ultimately, he mustered the courage to confess his love to her, promising that if she accepted his proposal, he would not only conquer the UPSC but also turn the world around for her. She agreed!
Despite failing the Civil Services Exam thrice, it was his girlfriend who stood by him during his struggles. She continuously motivated and supported him, and finally, in 2005, he cleared the CSE in his fourth attempt, becoming an IPS officer.
His girlfriend also achieved success, cracking the CSE to become an Indian Revenue Service officer. Her name is Ms. Shraddha Joshi, and today, she is Mr. Manoj Kumar Sharma’s wife.
Mr. Sharma was allotted the Maharashtra cadre and has held several crucial positions in the state. He has also been on central deputation to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). His inspiring life journey has been chronicled in a book titled “12th Fail,” where he provides a detailed account of his arduous struggle to reach his current position.
12th Fail” centers around the life of Manoj, a village boy born into a humble family. Despite facing failure in his first attempt at the 12th standard, he embarked on a remarkable journey marked by resilience and determination. His ultimate goal was to become an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, a prestigious position in the Indian civil services. For those who may not be familiar with the role, an IPS officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and upholding justice in various regions of India.
12th Fail” is a captivating cinematic experience that has left a profound impact on countless viewers. This article invites you to embark on a journey through the various dimensions of this film, from its intriguing plot to the talented individuals who brought it to life. So, let’s delve into the enchanting world of “12th Fail.
In the film “12th Fail,” the narrative revolves around the life of Rahul, a high school student teetering on the brink of failure in his 12th-grade examinations. Burdened by the weight of academic expectations, Rahul encounters a myriad of challenges. The movie artfully captures his journey, presenting a blend of emotions, moments of laughter, and valuable life lessons.
“Why should you read this book?
If you find yourself often thinking that your life is the epitome of tragedy, or if you believe that you are destined for a perpetual cycle of misery and misfortune, then this book is a must-read for you. Additionally, if you’re a student who has faced repeated setbacks and failures in significant exams, and you’ve contemplated being harsh on yourself, then I highly recommend picking up this book.
Manoj’s journey is a testament to perseverance amidst a series of failures. Despite experiencing setbacks time and again, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of a clear and unwavering goal. He put in relentless hard work to achieve it. Yes, he stumbled, fell, and stumbled again, but with each failure, he carefully observed the patterns of his setbacks. He then harnessed this knowledge to continually evolve into a better version of himself. This book is a source of inspiration for anyone who has faced adversity and is determined to rise above it.”
Some of the greatest learnings and thoughts from this book in English:
- “HARA WAHI, JO LADA NAHI”: This line, which translates to “THOSE WHO HAVEN’T FOUGHT, ARE THE ONES WHO LOST,” is one of the most profound and meaningful takeaways from the book. It underscores the importance of resilience and the willingness to face challenges head-on. Those who don’t engage in the battle are the ones who ultimately lose.
- The Power of Love and Relationships: The book beautifully portrays the positive impact of love and relationships on Manoj’s life. While we often hear that success requires sacrificing personal relationships and the associated drama, this book highlights how love can be a source of strength and motivation. It challenges the notion that one must choose between love and success, emphasizing the productive role love played in Manoj’s journey.
- Handling Criticism: Manoj’s ability to handle criticism and negative feedback is admirable. This book illustrates that when you have a clear goal or purpose in life, you can navigate the path to success, regardless of the severity of criticism or the potential consequences. It teaches us the significance of staying committed to our goals in the face of detractors and adversity.
Initially, I assumed that this book was exclusively tailored for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) aspirants, given the central theme of Manoj’s quest to become an IPS officer. However, as I delved further into its pages, it became apparent that this book holds universal appeal and can be appreciated by a wide-ranging audience. In fact, I even shared this book with my mother to help her gain insights into life through the lens of the character’s journey.
I would recommend anyone reading this article to give this book a chance, and you may find it to be a rewarding experience. While it’s worth noting that the book is originally written in Hindi, I’m not aware of any English translations.
In conclusion, I’d like to leave you with this thought:
“The real secret to a successful life is the unwavering commitment to keep yourself seated and focused on your goals.”
