MPSC topper Wasima Sheikh’s journey is inspiration to many
Mehab Qureshi
Nanded, June 25, 2020: “When you really desire something from the heart and soul, all the universe conspires you to achieve it.” This poem by Paulo Coelho signifies the journey of Wasima Sheikh’s tireless efforts to success.
Wasima has passed the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) State Service examination and is eligible for the Deputy Collector’s post. She started her educational journey from a village called Joshi Sangavi, about 35 km from Nanded in Loha taluka. While studying in a Marathi medium school, she got 82 percent marks in class X and 83 percent marks in class XII Arts. Due to a lack of college in the village, she would have to walk to Usman Nagar on foot. Therefore, she decided to move to her grandparent’s village. Even then, she would travel about a kilometre to Kandahar on foot, and the rest of the journey by bus to reach the college. There is no one to guide her at home. Her father is intellectually challenged, and her mother works in the fields as a laborer.
Wasima said, “The educational journey ahead seemed difficult for me as our financial situation was not stable. Therefore, I continued my graduation from an open university in political science and English. Even though the situation is changing, there is still opposition to girls’ education in villages. Despite the opposition, my brother and mother helped me to complete my graduation.”
She further said, “I worked hard at home from 2016 to 2018 and passed many competitive exams. In 2019, I was appointed as the sales tax inspector. Despite having a permanent government job, I continued my preparation. I did my full preparation for MPSC from home with hardwork. I did not join any coaching class. I attended mock interviews in different classes to prepare for the interview.”
Wasima added very emotionally, “Our family situation was terrible. There was a financial hardship. The passing of time would have been tough. My mother worked in the fields. One sister was married, and the younger sisters were studying. But one thing I would like to say is that education is not someone’s legacy, it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor. What is the purpose of your life, this is very important. Your plans, perseverance, timely decision, courage, willpower and hardwork in the right direction are the factors that determine your journey to success.”
Wasima conveyed the message to the youth who want to pursue a career in the civil services and the state service, “Students who want to take the civil services exam should make a decision soon. It is a test of patience, and parents should also encourage their children. Sometimes it takes five to six years to pass this test. Keep the habit of studying and perseverance, and God willing, you will surely succeed.”
It is worth mentioning that Wasima got married to Haider Sahib on June 2, 2015. Haider is also busy preparing for the competitive exams. He is thrilled with Wasima’s success. At the same time, Wasima’s success has given her family and relatives a chance to rejoice. At present, Wasima’s two sisters have also passed the graduation examination from open university, and both of them are preparing for MPSC.
