Apr 07, 2020 11:53 PM
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(Updated Apr 12, 2020 09:28 PM)
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”-Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
This is the true story of a 12th class student whose dreams came crashing down on the day of his final exam results.
Manoj Kumar Sharma fails in all subjects except Hindi. To the people around him it is no surprise as his academic record, until then, proved he was not cut out for academics. His 9th and 10th class results show an equally unexceptional ‘Third class’ in the pass column. If the thought, even for a fleeting moment, has occurred to you as to why a teenaged boy’s lack of grasp in academics is something to talk about, I suggest you read on.
Sharma’s struggles, grappling with academics lead us to one of the most remarkable stories ever coming out of Morena District of Madhya Pradesh.
Sharma’s own ‘Boswel’ and close friend, Anurag Pathak, is a fairly new writer having written one other book before he chose to be Sharma’s biographer. In this book “12th Failed” he endeavours to unravel Manoj Kumar Sharma as a person and a high flying achiever.
In a book review such as this, it becomes difficult to talk about the writer, or the subject of his biography. The writer has to strike a balance between ‘Sharma, the person’ and ‘Sharma, the larger than life hero’. His choice of words too must justify every facet of Sharma’s character without unnecessary embellishments. Therefore, it is much more difficult to review biographies unless we know the person personally about whom the biography is written. In the absence of personal information, the benefit of doubt is given to the author.
As can be deduced from the title, the book is about Sharma’s inability to focus on studies, initially, and he struggles to overcome not only his drawbacks but also the lack of recognition and respect.
“Where there is a will, there is a way” as the saying goes. However, it is imperative that the way to an aim or goal must be ethical and lawful involving a lot of hardwork. Sharma had the belief in him that despite all odds he would succeed one day if he burned the midnight oil and didn’t give up like others.
Failure to get through Class 12 turned out to be the greatest blessing in Sharma’s life. I believe, had he passed, getting reasonable numbers, his life would not have taken such a gratifying turn. Having said that, it is also important that the person in question should have a steely resolve and single-minded focus. This is where we need to, wholeheartedly; applaud Manoj Kumar Sharma, the architect of such a brilliant turnaround.
Sharma goes on to tackle one hurdle after another in his long and arduous journey. He completes his post-graduation and goes on to acquire a PhD. However, his eyes were firmly set on cracking the UPSC exam as he relentlessly pursued his dream of becoming an IAS officer.
As luck would have it. Manoj Kumar Sharma once again fails in his attempt to get the coveted IAS suffix next to his name. It’s no small consolation, however, that he now has the IPS initials next to his name. He is currently posted as Additional Commissioner, Mumbai.
My Thoughts:
Anurag Pathak, the author, has done a commendable job in keeping the reader interested. His style of writing is lucid and easy to understand even by the average educated reader.
Such life changing stories of real heroes inspire our youth and become role models for the next generation. Manoj Kumar Sharma is a hero in flesh and blood. His story of courage and determination, in the face of all odds, is sure to inspire many an aspirant of UPSC.
Kudos to Sharma, and kudos to Anurag Pathak for combining together to give us one of the most awe inspiring books of this generation.
mbfarookh©
