Some Lesser Known Facts About Meena Nambi

• Meena Nambi, an Indian citizen, is renowned as the spouse of Indian aerospace engineer Nambi Narayanan.

• In 1994, during the most challenging period of his life, Nambi found unwavering support from Meena. During this time, Nambi was falsely implicated in a spy case and falsely accused of providing classified documents to Pakistan, resulting in his subsequent arrest for a duration of 50 days.

• Every day, Meena would make it a point to visit temples. She had a set routine of visiting specific temples each week: Srikanteswaram on Mondays, Attukal Devi Temple on Tuesdays and Fridays, Srivaraham Temple on Thursdays, and Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple on Saturdays. During an interview, her husband disclosed that she was forbidden from entering a temple due to false accusations against him as a spy.

• During an interview, Nambi expressed that after his arrest, he became perceived as a traitorous spy by the community, resulting in significant hardships for his wife, Meena. He recounted the distressing experiences of our home becoming a focal point for individuals who burned effigies of him, hurled insults, and chanted derogatory slogans. The relentless harassment adversely affected my family, causing my children to become increasingly agitated as they defended themselves against these attacks. Regrettably, my wife, overwhelmed by the constant distress, sank into a profound state of depression and withdrew from communication.

• Nambi stated that during his time in jail, Meena was compelled to exit an autorickshaw in the rain after the driver discovered her true identity.

• During an interview, Nambi reported that Meena’s initial overseas trip occurred in September 1974, when he accompanied his ISRO team to Vernon, France for the Viking-Vikas joint venture.

• The movie ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ was released in 2022, featuring actress Simran in the role of Meena Nambi. Simran effectively portrays the character of Meena Nambi in the film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’.

• The film’s trailer depicted Meena’s husband, Nambi, incarcerated while she endured public humiliation at a wedding. Additionally, her daughter found herself seated on the road as someone maliciously smeared dung on her face, while her son suffered physical violence.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gunjan Saxena

• She grew up in a family of soldiers, where her father and brother served in the Indian Army.

• Her lifelong aspiration was to join the armed forces. During an interview, when discussing her father, she recalled, “He constantly emphasized his desire for my elder brother and me to progress from riding tricycles to piloting airplanes. However, it was when my Indian Airlines pilot cousin showed me a cockpit in fifth grade that I made up my mind – I was determined to pursue a career in aviation.”

• After finishing her studies, she relocated to Delhi to pursue her undergraduate degree at Hansraj College. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also enrolled at Safdarjung Flying Club in New Delhi to acquire fundamental flying skills. Following the completion of her degree, she embarked on a job hunt to secure a position as a pilot.

• Gunjan Saxena was chosen in 1994 to be part of the inaugural group of 25 young women who became trainee pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• Her first assignment was in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir (Himachal Pradesh). During an interview, she mentioned that when she and her course mate reached the Udhampur unit, they realized that essential facilities like a separate restroom and changing room for women were missing. To ensure privacy, she and her female course mates took turns guarding the area while the others changed clothes. Luckily, this makeshift arrangement did not last long.

• During the Kargil War in 1999, Gunjan Saxena and Srividya Rajan were given the chance to showcase their bravery. Together, they flew a small Cheetah helicopter through dangerous mountainous areas to provide medical assistance, identify enemy positions, and rescue wounded soldiers. Gunjan Saxena’s exceptional determination and skills were evident during Operation Vijay in Kargil, making her the first female pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to achieve such a feat.
• During the NDTV interview, she expressed that the evacuation of injured Indian Army soldiers greatly inspired her during the war. Being a helicopter pilot, this experience was undeniably the most exhilarating she had ever encountered. Her utmost duty was to conduct casualty evacuation missions, and the fulfillment of saving lives in that role was immeasurable.
• Gunjan Saxena’s service as a chopper pilot came to an end in July 2004 after seven years due to the discrimination faced by women in the Indian Military, particularly in combat zones. The role of women in the military has always been a topic of discussion, and their service is often shortened in comparison to their male counterparts.

• The army recognized her exceptional service in the war zone and bestowed upon her the prestigious Shaurya Chakra Award. This gallantry award is presented to individuals who display extraordinary bravery, courage, or selflessness while not directly engaged in combat with the enemy. By receiving this honor, she made history as the first woman to be bestowed with this esteemed recognition.

• Known as the “Kargil Girl,” she is frequently mentioned by this title. Following her service as a short service commissioned officer, she now resides in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with her family as a homemaker, having married an IAF officer.

• Watch this video that showcases Gunjan Saxena’s remarkable journey.

• Gunjan Saxena’s untitled biopic saw the entry of Jhanvi Kapoor in 2018. Positioned on the left is Gunjan Saxena, while on the right we find Jhanvi Kapoor.

• If you want to see Gunjan Saxena’s biography, watch the video provided below.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ria Dabi

• In the 2020 Union Public Service Commission examination, Ria Dabi achieved the 15th All India Rank. Notably, she is the younger sibling of Tina Dabi, an esteemed IAS officer.

• Ria Dabi was born in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Her family relocated to Delhi when her older sister, Tina Dabi, was in the 7th grade. A childhood photo of Ria Dabi can be seen alongside Tina Dabi.

• Her parents cracked the UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES) Exam before her and her sister.

• After graduating, Ria embarked on her civil service preparation journey. In an interview, she emphasized the crucial elements needed to pass the exam. She mentioned that during her college years, she initially tried to start preparing but struggled to effectively manage both her commitments. Consequently, she decided to postpone her efforts until after 2019. Drawing from her own experience, Ria firmly believes that unwavering dedication, discipline, and immense patience are the key factors for success in the UPSC examination. She highlighted the necessity of making sacrifices, such as sacrificing one’s social life, in order to maintain consistency and discipline while preparing for this challenging exam.

• In order to receive improved guidance, she enrolled in the General Studies Prelims cum Mains programme (2019-20) at Vajiram & Ravi Coaching Centre, located in Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. [3] According to her routine, she dedicated 10 hours daily to self-study after attending coaching classes. Ultimately, she achieved a total score of 1021, with 859 marks in the written test and 162 marks in the personality test.

• During an interview, she expressed her unwavering determination when the UPSC exams were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the setback, she persevered by attending online coaching classes. Additionally, she clarified that despite her presence on social media, she never harbored any thoughts about the significance it held. She firmly believed that the caste system is rigid and should not have a place in society. While her elder sister’s achievement of securing first place in the UPSC at the young age of 18 was incredibly inspiring, she admitted that her true source of inspiration lies with her mother.

• The Instagram post by Tina Dabi, the elder sister of Ria Dabi and an IAS officer, excitedly revealed the accomplishment of Ria Dabi. In her announcement, Tina expressed her joy in sharing that her younger sister, Ria Dabi (@ria.dabi), has secured the 15th position in the UPSC 2020 examination.

• During her free time, Ria enjoys painting, reading books, and exploring various destinations.

View this post on Instagram

Ria Dabi (@ria.dabi) shared a post.

• According to her Instagram account, she is a food enthusiast who enjoys exploring various culinary delights.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Pradeep Gawande

• Pradeep Gawande, a 2013-batch IAS officer, gained recognition as the fiancé of Tina Dabi, the 2015 civil service exams topper. Pradeep Gawande holds a seniority of three years over Tina Dabi. Prior to conquering the civil services examinations, Pradeep Gawande pursued a career in medicine.

• Pradeep Gawande secured All India Rank 478 in the UPSC Civil Services Exams in 2012, making him an IAS officer of the 2013 batch. His roll number was 442735. Pradeep, a qualified MBBS doctor, was assigned to the Rajasthan cadre after his selection in the civil services examinations in 2013. He underwent training as an assistant collector in Bundi. In 2015, he held the positions of Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Chemical Fertilizers and SDM in Dholpur. From November 2016 to May 2018, he served as the CEO of Jodhpur Zilla Parishad, and from April 2018 to February 2020, he fulfilled the role of CEO of the Bikaner Municipal Council. Starting from 2 July 2020 until 6 January 2021, he served as the Churu Collector. Following that, he worked as the MD of RSLDC from 4 January 2021 until October 2021. In March 2022, he was appointed as the Director at Archeology & Museums in Rajasthan, India.

• Tina Dabi, a member of the Dalit community, achieved a significant milestone in 2015 by becoming the first person from her community to successfully pass the civil service examinations. Three years later, in 2018, Tina made headlines once again as she tied the knot with IAS officer Athar Aamir Khan. However, their marital journey came to an end in 2021 when Athar and Tina officially announced their divorce and separation.

• Pradeep Gawande hails from Maharashtra. According to reports, Tina Dabi and Pradeep were in a relationship for four months before publicly announcing their engagement on social media. Notably, Pradeep Gawande is thirteen years older than Tina Dabi, and this marks Tina Dabi’s second engagement.

• Pradeep and Tina Dabi, both Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from the 2013 batch, recently announced their engagement on 28 March 2022. The couple took to various social media platforms to share their engagement pictures. Tina looked stunning in a red saree, while Pradeep opted for a red kurta and pants. Alongside a picture from their engagement, Tina captioned her Instagram post with the words, “You’re wearing the smile you’re giving.”

• Tina Dabi and Pradeep Gawande have announced their upcoming marriage, set to take place in April 2022 in Jaipur. The official wedding card of Pradeep Gawande and Tina Dabi also confirms the details of their ceremony.

• Tina Dabi and Pradeep Gawande tied the knot on April 20, 2022, and their reception took place in Jaipur two days later. A photo capturing the couple at their reception is available.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Tina Dabi

• Is Tina Dabi a smoker? No.

• Tina, who originally hails from Bhopal, relocated to Delhi with her family during her 7th standard. Here’s a photo capturing Tina Dabi’s childhood alongside her father.

• Both of her parents had successfully passed the UPSC Indian Engineering Services – IES Exam in the past.

• Upon finishing her education, she initially had a desire to pursue B.Com. However, she ultimately decided to enroll in B.A. Political Science instead. In her very first year, she embarked on her preparation journey for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Throughout her schooling, Tina Dabi stood out as a prominent figure.

• With a perfect score in Political Science and History during her 12th standard ICSE board exams and the title of ‘Student of the Year’ at Lady Shri Ram College, she unquestionably possesses an innate brilliance.

• At the young age of 18, she enrolled herself in the IAS Study Circle at RAU in New Delhi.

• Tina Dabi, in her preparation for the IAS exam, dedicated 9-12 hours of studying daily and adhered to a structured time schedule for each subject. This is the study plan followed by Tina Dabi for IAS.

• Since her school days, she has possessed a profound fascination with the Constitution of India and Indian politics. This passion was evident in her outstanding performance during her first year at Delhi University, where she ranked among the highest achievers in the field of Political Science.

• Since her days in school, she has been a highly accomplished debater, and in 2012, she served as the Vice Speaker of the Youth Parliament.

• Her performance as the Vice Speaker of Youth Parliament in 2012 was nothing short of scintillating.

• Tina Dabi, at the young age of 22, achieved a remarkable feat by cracking the IAS exam (UPSC 2015) on her first attempt in 2016. She obtained an impressive score of 1063 out of 2025 (52.49%) in the exam.

• She has become the first-ever Scheduled Caste (SC) woman to achieve the top rank in the IAS exam.

• Tina and Aamir’s journey began in 2015 when they crossed paths at the IAS felicitation ceremony held at the DoPT office in Delhi. Love blossomed between them during their IAS training at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration in Mussoorie. Presently, Tina Dabi and Athar Aamir Khan call Mussoorie their home.

• During their training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration, Tina Dabi and Athar Aamir Khan went on a trip to the Netherlands, Paris, and Rome. In the year 2016, they set off on an overseas journey.

• Choosing the Haryana cadre as her top preference, she aimed to contribute towards women’s empowerment. However, since the two available positions in the Haryana cadre were already assigned to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, she was assigned the Rajasthan cadre, which was her second choice.

• Her mother, who gave up her job for her own career, is viewed as her role model.

• Her aspiration is to become a Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India.

• Tina Dabi, recipient of the President’s Gold Medal, achieved this prestigious honor on 29 June 2018 for successfully completing her two-year training program at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.

• Tina Dabi and Athar Aamir Khan, who had been married for two years, initiated divorce proceedings in a Jaipur family court in November 2020. Prior to this, their marriage gained attention when Tina Dabi changed her surname on social media, removing “Khan,” and Athar Aamir unfollowed her on Instagram. [1] The divorce was finalized by a family court in Jaipur in August 2021. [2]

• Tina Dabi tied the knot with IAS officer Pradeep Gawande on April 20, 2022. Two days later, on April 22, their reception was held in Jaipur. Here is a photo from Tina Dabi and Pradeep Gawande’s reception.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Sandeep Unnikrishnan

• Sandeep Unnikrishnan, an Indian Army Officer, tragically lost his life in the Mumbai terrorist attacks on 26/11. Originally hailing from Kozhikode, Kerala, Sandeep was born into a Malayali family. Eventually, the family relocated to Bangalore.

• Sandeep has been sporting a crew cut since his school days and has always harbored a desire to join the Indian Army. After completing his education at The Frank Anthony Public School, he pursued his dream by enrolling in the National Defence Academy in 1995. Graduating as a lieutenant, Sandeep was subsequently appointed to the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (infantry) on 12 June 1999. On the day of the pipping ceremony, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan stood tall and proud next to his parents.

• Sandeep played an active role in the Kargil War of 1999, bravely stationed alongside his team at the forward posts. They confronted intense artillery and small arm fire from Pakistani troops. In December of the same year, Sandeep successfully established a post a mere 200m from the opposing side.

• On 12 June 2003, Sandeep received a promotion to the rank of captain, followed by another promotion to major on 12 June 2005. The following year, in 2006, Sandeep made the decision to join the National Security Guards (NSG). After successfully completing the necessary training, he joined the Special Action Group (SAG) of the NSG. During his training, Sandeep demonstrated outstanding abilities and achieved the top position in the challenging ‘Ghatak Course,’ which is renowned as one of the toughest training programs in the Indian Army. As a result of his exceptional performance, he received the ‘Instructor’ grading and commendation upon completion. Throughout his time in the NSG, Sandeep consistently displayed exceptional skills during various training camps.

• On 27 November 2008, Sandeep Unnikrishnan received orders to report for duty in Mumbai. The previous day, on 26 November 2008, a number of prominent buildings in Mumbai, including the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, were targeted in a terrorist attack. Leading a team of NSG commandos, Sandeep’s mission was to rescue the hostages held at the hotel and secure the area for further operations. During the search for hostages, one of Sandeep’s colleagues, Sunil Kumar Yadav, sustained gunshot wounds to both of his legs when the terrorists stormed through a room. The aftermath of the 26-11 attack left the floor of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel marked with the haunting presence of blood stains.

• Afterwards, Sandeep took charge of organizing the evacuation for his colleague, Sunil Kumar Yadav. Determined to confront the terrorists alone, Sandeep pursued their trail and eventually found himself on another floor of the hotel. Unexpectedly, he was ambushed and shot in the back, leading to his untimely demise due to severe blood loss from numerous injuries and bullet wounds. As per the NSG officials, his final words were a plea for others to stay behind as he bravely vowed to handle the situation himself.

• were conducted with utmost respect and ceremony. Despite the ongoing hostage search operation and the terrorists’ confinement, news of his tragic demise was eventually disclosed. Once the perpetrators were incapacitated and the hostages rescued, the information spread. On the day of his funeral, a gathering of mourners paid their respects, passionately chanting “Sandeep Unnikrishnan Amar Rahe” as a tribute to the late Major.

• After his passing, a 4.5 km section of road in Bangalore was renamed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road, previously known as The Mother Dairy Double Road. In November 2012, a statue of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was placed at the Ramamurthy Nagar Outer Ring Road junction in Bengaluru. Additionally, another sculpture of him was created at the entrance of the Indian Education Society on Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road, Mumbai. Unfortunately, the Bengaluru sculpture was destroyed in September 2018 when a mini-truck lost control and collided with it. The damaged bust of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is currently located in Bangalore.

• Sandeep’s mother, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, on 26 January 2009. The Ashoka Chakra citation recognized Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s heroic actions during a commando operation at Hotel Taj Mahal in Mumbai on November 27th, 2008. Leading the operation, Sandeep successfully rescued 14 hostages but unfortunately, one of his team members was severely injured in the intense firefight. Despite being shot in his right arm, Sandeep fearlessly engaged the terrorists, ensuring the safe extraction of the injured commando. Sadly, Sandeep fought until his last breath, displaying exceptional bravery, camaraderie, and leadership. Sandeep’s mother was honored with the Ashoka Chakra award by President Pratibha Patil in recognition of her son’s ultimate sacrifice for his country.

• Sandeep Unnikrishnan had a close bond with his uncle, K Mohanan. Unfortunately, his uncle tragically ended his own life by self-immolation in front of the Parliament in February 2011. Despite receiving medical help, his body had sustained 98% burns, and he suffered a fatal heart attack during treatment. In his suicide note, he expressed his belief that the victims of the 26/11 attack were neglected by political authorities and questioned whether the conflict truly stemmed from two nations. He also pondered if the government’s decision following the Kandahar incident played a role in the Mumbai attack. Although time may cause Sandeep Unnikrishnan to be forgotten, his uncle vowed to never forget him.

• Many filmmakers were inspired by the 26/11 attacks to depict the horrific incident through movies such as ‘The Attacks of 26/11’ (2013) directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and a ZEE5 web series ‘Operation Black Tornado’ (2018). The movie poster for “26-11: The Attacks” is also available.

• was unveiled in 2020 when Sony Pictures Entertainment registered the titles ‘Major’ and ‘Major Sandeep’ with the producers association. This biopic, centered around the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, was produced by actor Mahesh Babu. Actor Adivi Sesh was chosen to portray the lead role of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan in the film. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of the movie, scheduled for 2 July 2021, as the initial glimpse has already created buzz and excitement.

• Prior to the start of principal photography, the movie cast arranged a meeting with Sandeep’s parents to persuade them about their intention to create a film in their son’s honor. The producers and actors required the consent of Sandeep’s parents before proceeding with the project. Adivi stated that after the intense media attention, many filmmakers approached them. Regardless of whether the film was eventually made or not, Adivi personally pledged to treat Sandeep’s parents as his own for the rest of his life. When Sandeep’s mother mentioned that she saw her son in him, Adivi was deeply moved and hugged her tightly for an extended period of time.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ishita Kishore

• In the 2022 UPSC IAS examination, Ishita Kishore achieved the prestigious number 1 All India rank. Opting to leave her corporate job, she decided to embark on a path focused on public governance.

• During her formative years, she consistently demonstrated outstanding academic prowess. In 2014, she successfully finished her education, specializing in Commerce with a strong emphasis on mathematics, culminating in a remarkable achievement of scoring 97.25%.

• Ishita Kishore worked as an intern at Housing And Urban Development Corporation Limited in 2015, and later interned at GAIL (India) Ltd. in 2016. From June 2017 to March 2019, she held the position of Risk Analyst at Ernest & Young (EY). Recently, Ishita Kishore was seen at a function.

• After resigning from her job in 2019, Ishita Kishore took on the challenge of preparing for the UPSC IAS exam. Despite facing initial obstacles, she remained determined and experienced failure in her first two attempts by not clearing the prelims. However, her unwavering commitment and diligent efforts finally paid off in 2023 when she accomplished an extraordinary achievement by securing the 1st rank in the UPSC-IAS examination on her third try.

• Ishita Kishore, the top rank holder in the UPSC 2022 examination, obtained a total score of 1094 marks. Out of this, 901 marks were obtained in the written round and 193 marks were obtained in the interview. The marksheet for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 belongs to her.

• During a post-examination interview, she revealed her study regimen, stating that she committed nine hours each day to prepare for the UPSC IAS exam. Moreover, she stressed the significance of improving her writing abilities through extensive practice. For the UPSC IAS exam, she chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects.

• Ishita Kishore actively participated in a range of co-curricular activities throughout her school and college years. Notably, she served as the President of the Rotary-sponsored club Interact, where she successfully organized mock United Nations sessions during school events. Furthermore, she was a valued member of both the Economic Society and Literary Society during her college days. In 2015, Ishita had the opportunity to intern at the NGO CRY (Child Rights and You), where she dedicated her time to teaching children at the child shelter home located in Tihar Jail. [3] LinkedIn – Ishita Kishore

• Ishita Kishore developed a love for sports at a young age and achieved great success as a football player at the national level, even participating in the prestigious Subroto Cup in 2012. In 2017, she had the privilege of being chosen as a representative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the Indian government, joining the Indo-China Youth Delegation. During this remarkable journey to China, Ishita Kishore’s experience was captured in a photograph, forever preserving the memories of her incredible achievement.

• Ishita Kishore’s preferred Bollywood film is Dangal.

• Check out this captivating video that delves into the life story of Ishita Kishore.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Jagrati Awasthi

• Jagrati Awasthi, the female topper, secured the second position in the 2020 Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, earning the All India Rank 2.

• Jagrati Awasthi, an enthusiastic student during her school days, actively engaged in multiple events such as declamation and debate competitions, where she achieved numerous awards. Her mother proudly showcases Jagrati Awasthi’s assortment of school trophies.

• During her higher education, Jagrati Awasthi pursued electrical engineering as her field of study. In 2016, she took the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and achieved the 41st rank nationwide.

• Jagrati successfully passed the GATE examination and subsequently became a technical officer at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), where she dedicated nearly two years of her career. Despite securing a job in her desired engineering field, she remained steadfast in her ambition to become a civil servant and began actively preparing for the CSE.

• In 2019, while employed at BHEL, she took her first shot at the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination but unfortunately did not pass. This setback prompted her to leave her job and commit herself entirely to the UPSC examination. She relocated to Delhi to attend physical preparation classes but had to return to her hometown, Bundelkhand, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Undeterred, she resumed her preparations at home using online study resources.
• In 2020, Jagrati Awasthi made her second attempt at the UPSC examination and successfully cleared it, securing the 2nd position in the All India ranking (AIR). Notably, she also emerged as the top female candidate who passed the exam. Jagrati’s total score was 1052, with 859 marks in the written test and 193 marks in the personality test, resulting in a cumulative percentage of 51.95%. Sociology was her chosen optional subject for the examination. Ultimately, Jagrati Awasthi’s success led to her selection for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which serves as the administrative branch of the All India Services under the Government of India. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to rural development and focus on the welfare of children and women. Overall, Jagrati Awasthi’s outstanding performance in the UPSC examinations earned her the second position.
• Following the announcement of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination results on September 24, 2021, Jagrati Awasthi emerged as the top scorer. Subsequently, she received an overwhelming influx of congratulatory messages, in addition to being interviewed by numerous media outlets as the newly appointed IAS officer.

• In an interview, Jagrati Awasthi shared her approach to preparation. With coaching centers closed throughout the Covid pandemic, it became crucial to maintain motivation while studying from home. At first, I committed 8 to 10 hours to my studies. Over time, I gradually increased this timeframe to 10 to 12 hours, and as the exam neared, I pushed myself even harder, studying for 12 to 14 hours approximately two months prior.
• Amidst the Covid pandemic, Jagrati dedicated herself to preparing for the UPSC examination. However, she prioritized her physical and mental well-being by incorporating a fitness routine into her daily regimen.

• Jagrati Awasthi attributes her accomplishment in the UPSC examination to the unwavering support of her parents and brother. Recounting the journey during an interview, she expressed her gratitude, stating that her parents made significant sacrifices to aid her pursuit. Over the course of four years, they abstained from watching television, prioritizing her brother’s preparation for the NEET exam initially, and later shifting their focus to her studies. Their conversations were often held outside the house, and personal updates were seldom shared. In a further display of dedication, her mother made the difficult decision to resign from her job as a school teacher to fully support their academic endeavors. Reflecting on her initial setback after an unsuccessful first attempt, Jagrati revealed that her mother provided invaluable advice. Instead of attributing her failure to luck, her mother encouraged her to exert more effort. Recognizing the wisdom in her mother’s words, Jagrati persevered and eventually achieved the success she desired.

• Speaking about Jagrati’s dedication to serving the country as a civil servant, her mother recounted a promise Jagrati made in 2016. Jagrati vowed that if her mother quit her job and offered her unwavering support, she would undoubtedly achieve a high rank in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). To ensure Jagrati’s commitment, her mother requested that she write it down, and Jagrati signed the note. Eventually, she accomplished an impressive 51st rank. Despite receiving enticing offers from IOCL and ONGC, where she could have been the top choice, Jagrati opted to join BHEL in Bhopal as a technical officer. Her decision stemmed from her desire to be with her brother Suyash, who was then preparing for the NEET (medical entrance test).

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ravi Sihag

• Ravi Sihag, a member of the 2021 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is an esteemed Indian Administration Service Officer. After his fourth attempt, he achieved an impressive 18th rank in the UPSC CSE 2021 exam. Notably, he emerged as the highest scorer among candidates who opted for the Hindi medium.

• In the past, Ravi achieved success in the UPSC exam on two occasions. He secured the 337th rank in 2018 and the 317th rank in 2019. As a result, he was assigned to the Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS) in his first attempt and the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in his second attempt.

• Despite clearing the civil services examination twice, Ravi had a strong desire to become an IAS officer, prompting him to retake the exam. Unfortunately, in 2020, he was unable to pass the UPSC preliminary exams on his third attempt. However, in 2021, Ravi succeeded in passing the exam on his fourth try, securing an impressive All India Rank of 18. Consequently, he was appointed as an IAS official. The following year, Ravi Kumar Sihag attended the prestigious felicitation program for UPSC toppers at DoPT, which was graced by the distinguished Minister of State (Personnel and Public Grievances).

• Ravi Kumar Sihag supported his father in the fields until he finished his graduation in 2015, after which he commenced his preparation for the UPSC while continuing to engage in agricultural work in his hometown.

• In the 2021 UPSC exam, the top 17 candidates were from an English medium background. However, Ravi Kumar Sihag, a candidate from a Hindi medium background, achieved the 18th rank, making him the highest-ranking candidate among all the Hindi medium students in the UPSC CSE 2021. His main subjects in the UPSC examination were Political Science, Economics, and English Literature, while Hindi Literature was an optional subject for him. Here is Ravi Kumar Sihag’s UPSC mark sheet.

• In August 30, 2023, Ravi Kumar Sihag commenced his training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. During his time at the academy, he emerged as the winner of a quiz focused on the ‘Constitution and Life of Dr Ambedkar’ which was organized in celebration of Dr Ambedkar Jayanti. In recognition of his achievement, Ravi was honored with a prize presented by the esteemed Ram Nath Kovind, along with the Governor of Uttarakhand, Gurmit Singh. Additionally, in April 2023, Ravi Kumar Sihag received another prize, this time from the Honorable Ram Nath Kovind and Governor Gurmit Singh of Uttarakhand.

• enjoys exploring faraway destinations and dedicating time to exercise at the gym. He frequently posts pictures of his workout routines on various social media platforms. While on holiday, Ravi Kumar Sihag indulges in these activities.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Athar Aamir Khan

• Is Athar Aamir Khan a smoker?

• Despite facing local issues such as terrorism, Athar has consistently remained a dedicated and exceptional student throughout his school days.

• He received the prestigious ‘Best Young Scientist’ award in 2007 after his participation in the National Children’s Science Congress.

• Once he completed his education, he sat for numerous engineering entrance exams, successfully clearing nearly all of them, ultimately securing a place at IIT – Mandi where he established his career.

• ‘s achievement of securing the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination during his IIT days served as a source of inspiration for him to pursue the IAS exam.

• Additionally, through his study of Humanities subjects in B.Tech, his interest in the IAS was cultivated.

• In 2014, he successfully passed a railway exam and received a job offer from the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). However, he made the decision to decline the offer and instead opted to join the IAS training program.

• His main subject for IAS was Geography.

• Athar Aamir Khan achieved an outstanding feat in 2016 when he secured the 2nd rank in the Civil Services Examination (UPSC 2015), surpassing 1018 marks out of 2025 (50.27%) in his debut attempt. This remarkable achievement puts him right after the top scorer, Tina Dabi, in the IAS exam.

• After Shah Faesal, who secured the top position in the IAS exam in 2009, he becomes the second Kashmiri to achieve this remarkable feat.

• Athar Aamir Khan delves into the concept of Concrete Economics and explores the Hamilton Approach to Economic Growth and Policy, recommending the book ‘Concrete Economics: The Hamilton Approach to Economic Growth and Policy’ by Stephen S. Cohen and J. Bradford DeLong as a valuable resource for IAS aspirants.

• Aamir and Tina’s first encounter occurred in 2015 during the IAS felicitation ceremony held at the DoPT office in Delhi. Their love story blossomed while they were undergoing IAS training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration in Mussoorie. Currently, Athar Aamir Khan and Tina Dabi are residing in Mussoorie.

• In 2016, Athar Aamir Khan and Tina Dabi ventured overseas during their training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration. Their journey took them to Netherlands, Paris, and Rome.

• His first choice was the Jammu & Kashmir cadre as he desired to contribute to the development of the underdeveloped state. Unfortunately, the available positions in that cadre had already been assigned, so he was assigned to his second preference, the Rajasthan cadre.

• In November 2020, Athar Aamir Khan and Tina Dabi initiated divorce proceedings in a family court in Jaipur, marking the end of their two-year marriage. Prior to this, their relationship had garnered attention when Tina Dabi removed her surname “Khan” from her social media accounts and Athar Aamir unfollowed her on Instagram. The divorce was finalized by a family court in Jaipur in August 2021.