Against All Odds: Akhila shatters barriers, achieves UPSC success despite losing arm at age of five

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India]: In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Akhila BS, a young woman hailing from a small town in Kerala (India), has defied all odds to achieve an extraordinary feat.

Despite losing her arm at the tender age of five, Akhila has managed to crack the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, a coveted civil service exam known for its rigorous selection process. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience.

A Challenging Childhood
Akhila, the second daughter of K Buhari, a former Headmaster at the Cotton Hill Government Girls High School and Sajina Beevi met with an accident on September 11, 2000. She lost her right arm from the shoulder down and was asked to consult doctors from Germany. However, even after the examination by a medical team from Germany in India, her arms were not fixed as she had lost the tip of her shoulder.

After that, Akhila started doing her day-to-day tasks using her left arm and learnt to write by using her left arm. She cleared her board exams with the highest marks. After pursuing an Integrated MA at IIT Madras, she started preparing for civil services.

Overcoming Adversity
Akhila's journey towards cracking the UPSC exam was not an easy one. She encountered numerous obstacles along the way, both external and internal. However, her strong resolve and unyielding passion for making a difference in society kept her going. With unwavering support from her family and friends, Akhila channelled her energies into her studies, striving to excel in every subject.

A Tale of Grit and Perseverance
Speaking on the challenges faced while preparing for the civil services examination, Akhila said that one has to experience several ups and downs along with tremendous hard work to prepare for the examination.

"The challenge is that it was a very long duration and it requires a lot of hard work. Also, I found it very difficult to sit straight for a long time. To sit for three to four hours continuously in the examination became a herculean task for me," she said.

She also added that using her left hand and sitting continuously with back pain was a tough challenge for her during the preparations and examination.

She said, "The problem for me was to write for three or four hours. I used to be tired and my body used to ache. For the main exams, I had to write continuously for three days. It was a challenge for me." "My goal was to achieve IAS. I decided that I will prepare for the upcoming exam and till I get chosen for the service of my choice, I decided that I will keep on trying. I decided that I will put in maximum effort," she said.

Expressing gratitude to her parents and family for supporting her, she said, "I could not express the kind of support my family extended to me. I think this is a privilege. I received huge support not only from my immediate parents but also from my extended family."

Inspiring Others
Akhila's achievement serves as an inspiration to millions of individuals facing similar challenges and limitations. Her story transcends boundaries of disability, gender, and background, reminding us all that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. She has become a beacon of hope, igniting the flames of aspiration in countless hearts.

 (With ANI inputs)