This Diff-Abled IAS Officer Doesn’t Need Our Pity, She Commands Our Respect

Have you ever had an injury on the foot that made you wonder how long it could be before you can go back to dancing or badminton? Every time your injury hurts, your mind will probably create images of not being able to walk again, or being dependent on people for a lifetime.

When we constantly fear an injury getting into the way of our dreams, imagine a deformity that has the potential to make every single day a challenge. Against these odds, would you still be able to hold on to your dreams and do whatever it takes to get there?

Makes you pause and think for a moment, doesn’t it?

Well, here is the story of Ira Singhal, IAS. While a lot of people may serve as motivation for you, her story stands as the epitome of the word “inspiration.”

What makes her different from the other IAS officers out there? Well, where she has reached today was never a easy path for her. Singhal suffers from a medical condition called scoliosis, battling which she has attempted the Civil Service Examination thrice to finally rank first in all of India. The journey filled with uphill battles, suffering, frustration, and perseverance finally lead her to triumph.

Before we go into her story, here is a little information about scoliosis, if you are not familiar with it. Scoliosis is a physical deformation that causes the spine to curve sideways. While most cases of scoliosis are mild, it may get worse when it occurs prior to skeletal maturity, and sometimes, the curvature can be extreme enough to cause trouble in breathing (1).

Now, back to Ira Singhal.

Singhal, today, is the Deputy Commissioner of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. The 35-year-old did not get there by mere chance or luck. The idea of being an IAS officer was planted in her mind when she was in third grade when she lived with her family in Meerut.

How It Began…

She recollects that each time there was a curfew imposed in Meerut, she’d hear them say that it was issued by the District Magistrate. Although at that point, she did not understand what it meant, the idea of someone with that much power fascinated her. And, in the years ahead, that fascination turned into a dream. However, little did she know that it would change her life and that of those around her.

After finishing her basic schooling in Meerut, Singhal moved to Delhi, where she finished her degree in engineering, followed by an MBA from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology and the University of Delhi respectively. Following her MBA, Singhal began to work at Cadbury in the role of a strategy manager. It was at this time that she found her calling to write the civil service examination (CSE).

First Foot Of The Battle

In 2010, Singhal wrote the CSE for the first time and consecutively, each year till 2013. Although she cleared the examination in the very first attempted, her disability was cited as a reason to consider her ineligible for any position, sparing the Indian Revenue Service. What the authorities did not realize was, they weren’t denying someone who just decided to write the CSE. It was a girl who grew up all with the burning urge to be an IAS officer. And, she wasn’t prepared to be denied.

Taking the fight further, Singhal challenged the status by moving Central Administrative Tribunal. After what seemed like a long battle, she won her case the following year. While waiting for the pending case to move forward, Singhal wrote the CSE again, clearing it only to be offered the same service again. Not long after, the Tribunal delivered a judgment and Singhal got her posting.

Along this battle, Ira Singhal figured that it was not merely about an opportunity for her. In her head, this battle was to open the door for several others like her.

The three months following the judgment, Singhal went through the wait for the paperwork to proceed forward and an appointment letter to reach her. In the interim, her friend suggested her to exam again.

The Big Breakthrough

Although reluctant, Singhal went on to write the prelims for the fourth time, while still waiting for her appointment. As she completed her mains, she got her letter. Without a second thought, she put aside all the study material and went on to join the training. All the while, she had nearly forgotten about the results of her mains.

While she spent time sincerely at the Academy, destiny had a different plan for her. Her fourth attempt results came and Ira Singhal created history by coming out 1st rank All-India. And, that gave her the direct entry into her dream. There it was in front of her. Indian Administrative Service.

And, the rest, as they say, is history.

This reminds us of an old saying. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Although grown up with a disability, Singhal has never used a crutch and despises the idea of pity. Her accolades are her medals of strength, passion, hard work, and resilience.

Still think “I don’t have enough time” is a good enough excuse? Think again. Time to put that excuse aside and go conquer the world.

Was this article helpful?