In the quiet village of Kadakkavoor, nestled in Thiruvananthapuram district, the story of Nisa Unnirajan, 40, is being told with pride; not because she sought the spotlight, but because she earned it through sheer willpower.
A mother of two, a aurally challenged woman and a late entrant into the daunting world of the Civil Services Examination, Nisa finally cracked the code in her seventh attempt to secure the 1,000th rank. Hers has been among the inspirational tales from the examination this year.
Nisa’s journey was anything but ordinary. At 35, an age when many give up on dreams, she set out to chase hers, armed with determination, a humble routine and a heart full of purpose.
“I set foot on this journey after my second child was born,” she says. “Many discouraged me. Some ridiculed me. But I took all that in my stride.”
Balancing act
Balancing work, family and studies was no small feat. Nisa would rise before dawn to squeeze in 90 minutes of study before the day’s chaos took over. As an Assistant Audit Officer at the Accountant General’s office, she spent her days travelling on field assignments, often studying during train rides.
“Those journeys gave me more than just time — they gave me insight into the lives of everyday people. It built my confidence.”
Her family including her parents and husband, a software engineer, stood by her as the few who truly believed in her potential.
The Hindu, she fondly remembers, has been her unwavering academic companion as she found it difficult to attend coaching classes.
“I never expected to reach this far,” she smiles. “But my dream remains to serve as an IAS officer and break more barriers.”
Published – April 24, 2025 09:00 pm IST
