In the heart of Kanpur once sat a young man answering customer calls, unaware that destiny was quietly shaping an IPS officer. Today, Suraj Singh Parihar stands as a living example of what perseverance, courage, and self-belief can achieve — no matter where you begin.
A Village Dream That Refused to Die
Born and raised in a small village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Suraj grew up with his grandparents, listening to stories of service, discipline, and integrity. Those early tales sowed the seeds of a dream — to wear the khaki uniform. But the path from rural classrooms to the prestigious Indian Police Service was anything but easy.
After moving to Kanpur, Suraj continued his studies in a Hindi-medium school, excelling in academics, writing, and sports. His brilliance earned him the National Bal Shree Award from President K.R. Narayanan in 2000. But even amidst the applause, a young Suraj felt humbled — he struggled to speak English fluently. Instead of being disheartened, he made it his mission to learn. He practiced before mirrors, watched English news, and turned his weakness into strength.
When Dreams Met Reality
Financial struggles soon hit hard. After completing Class 12 with distinction, Suraj decided to support his family while nurturing his UPSC dream. He started a small coaching centre but soon took a job at a call centre — a job he almost lost on his first day. Failing the voice test, he pleaded for one more chance. His manager agreed, giving him a month.
Suraj transformed that opportunity into success. Within weeks, he became one of the company’s best performers and earned a place on the ‘Wall of Fame’. But comfort was never his goal. When offered double the salary to stay, he walked away — choosing uncertainty over stability, for a chance to serve the nation.
The Unshakable Resolve
He moved to Delhi for UPSC coaching, but his savings vanished within months. Refusing to quit, he took banking exams — and cleared eight of them. From the Bank of Maharashtra to State Bank of India, Suraj rose to the rank of Bank Manager. Yet, his true calling echoed louder than the comfort of a secure career.
He resigned again, prepared, and kept trying. He cleared SSC with All India Rank 23, joining the Customs & Excise Department — still not his final destination. Then, in his third UPSC attempt, he cracked the IRS (Indian Revenue Service). For most, that would be a dream come true. But for Suraj, the IPS uniform was still waiting.
A change in government policy gave him one final attempt. He took it — and this time, destiny bowed to determination. Suraj Singh Parihar became an IPS officer, fulfilling the dream that began in a village classroom years ago.
A Lesson for Every Dreamer
Suraj’s journey is not about luck — it’s about grit. From late-night shifts at a call centre to the academy grounds of the IPS, his story tells every struggling aspirant one thing: It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters how relentlessly you move forward.
He turned rejections into resolve and setbacks into stepping stones — proving that even the toughest exams can be cleared when your purpose is stronger than your fear.
