After seven years and multiple attempts at the UPSC exams, Shruti Shrivastava did not see her name on the final result list in 2024. The disappointment was deep, but so was her resolve — leading her to establish a foundation that now supports hundreds of rural children and women in Madhya Pradesh.
- 7 years preparing for UPSC, but final results brought heartbreak
- Works now with 800+ rural children and 30 women entrepreneurs
- Transforms personal challenges into community empowerment
What happened
Shruti Shrivastava dedicated seven years to cracking the highly competitive UPSC exam, enduring six attempts, and clearing preliminary rounds before the final interview in 2024. Confident after her interview, she recorded herself waiting for the results, only to face the painful moment when her name was not on the list. This devastating setback left her withdrawn for several days, grappling not only with the loss of a dream but questioning her own self-worth.
Born and raised across multiple towns in Madhya Pradesh, Shruti experienced frequent changes in school due to her parents’ government jobs. Early on, she noticed social inequalities and discrimination, which she questioned even as a child. Bullying and doubts about belonging further challenged her during her school years, but these difficulties also grew her empathy, which now informs her work with disadvantaged communities.
Why it feels good
Shruti’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and transformation. Though the UPSC outcome was a crushing blow, she did not let it define her life. Instead, she embarked on a path of healing and reflection that led her to find meaning beyond exams. Her story reassures those facing setbacks that failure can mark a new beginning rather than an end.
By turning her attention to grassroots empowerment, Shruti channels her compassion into meaningful action. Helping rural children access better education and supporting women to build sustainable livelihoods embodies the hope that purpose and fulfillment arise from serving others. This shift from personal ambition to community impact uplifts not only her beneficiaries but also those who hear her inspiring example.
What to enjoy or watch next
Readers can follow the ongoing work of the Sashaktikaran Foundation, which now serves over 800 rural children and supports around 30 women entrepreneurs in Bhopal and surrounding districts. Stories from such local initiatives highlight how individual passion combined with community engagement can create lasting change.
For those inspired by Shruti’s story, exploring volunteer opportunities or donating to grassroots educational projects can be a meaningful way to help bridge divides in opportunity. Her journey also invites reflection on mental health and self-worth beyond societal pressures—valuable lessons for anyone navigating career or life setbacks.