Birdev Done is felicitated by the family members and dhangars at the grazing camp near Belagavi.
BELAGAVI
The UPSC Civil Services Examination results were announced earlier this week and among millions of aspirants who desperately await the results, there was a lad who without bothering for the results was grazing sheep on the outskirts of a village near Athani bordering Maharashtra.
Birdev Siddhappa Done (27) of Yamage village in Kolhapur district in Maharashtra clad in a traditional dhangari attire with heavy chappals and a white cap on his head was grazing sheep. Birdev who was carrying his friend’s mobile after his mobile was stolen after a viva, soon found out that he had secured the 551st rank.
Born in a very poor and nomadic dhangar (shepherd) family, Birdev grew up tending the family’s sheep in the hills, and also his uncle’s sheep in Belagavi while he read and recited his lessons under the open sky as there was no proper home to go back to like any other dhangar family.
Birdev’s grit and ambition overtook all the challenges and hindrances as he secured 96% marks in his SSC examinations at Murgud centre near Nippani and later, excelled in Std 12th science. He then graduated from the prestigious College of Engineering, Pune, and later shifted to Delhi to study and prepare for the UPSC exam.
This was his third attempt for the UPSC and when the result was announced Birdev was out grazing sheep near Belagavi and was informed by a friend about his success. Despite having failed in his first two tries, his determination and commitment paid off and he has succeeded in his third attempt and is likely to be absorbed into the Indian Police Service (IPS), a long cherished dream for Birdev.
Overwhelmed with this success, he along with his father, sister and family members were sentimental as tears rolled down their cheeks while the entire Yamage village was jubilant. Soon he was felicitated with the traditional turban and ghongadi (dhangari blanket) on his shoulders while the dhangars in the grazing camp proudly photographed him, the picture that has gone viral nationally.
“My first attempt was in 2022 and later in 2023, during which I had to miss the funerals of my aunt and my grandfather. After failing, I was very disappointed as I had missed the mains by just 3 marks. However, I attempted again in 2024 and by the grace of God have succeeded. Hence never give up and keep trying sincerely and you can succeed,” Birdev told the aspiring youth.
During this period, his elder brother, Vasudev, who is serving in the Indian Army supported him financially and morally, in turn, Birdev wants to support his elder brother to be a police inspector.
Birdev’s success has inspired millions of rural ambitious youth. His inspiring story will inspire thousands of others in similar difficult circumstances. His tale is evidence that through determined willpower and support will overcome any difficult conditions that can be overturned and success can be achieved.
