In Thane, Maharashtra, Prashant Suresh Bhojane, aged 32, achieved his lifelong dream of cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam despite facing significant challenges. His mother works as a civic sweeper in Thane, and Prashant’s aspiration to become an IAS officer led him to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) since 2015. After persevering through nine attempts, he secured the 849th rank in the UPSC CSE 2023 final results.
Prashant’s accomplishment brought joy to the residents of Khartan Road Sweepers Colony, where his family resides. They celebrated his success with a procession, joined by local politicians. Prashant’s father is also employed by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).
Although Prashant holds an engineering degree, his passion for civil services motivated him to pursue his dream rather than a career in engineering. In 2020, he moved to Delhi and worked at a coaching center, grading mock exam papers while preparing for the UPSC exam.
Despite his parents’ concerns and requests to return home, Prashant remained determined to achieve his goal. His father expressed happiness at his son’s success, realizing that Prashant’s decision to pursue the UPSC exam was the right one.
Jagdish Kairalia, general secretary of the ‘Shramik Janata Sangh Union,’ commended Prashant’s achievement, highlighting it as a source of pride for the entire community. He emphasized that Prashant’s success disproves any notion of underestimated talent among sweepers’ children, positioning him as a role model for others in the colony.
