A night of joy and happiness for many of my friends but also a night of gloom and uncertainty for few others. Another year of UPSC result. There is so much to write but I'll limit myself to three dimensions and my learnings from them.
First is about the importance of consistency in pursuit: The punishment for heinous crime is 7 years rigorous imprisonment. For some candidates, UPSC does become a heinous crime. Years after years, they continue to mill day and night for this exam but in the end, it all turns futile. However, there are some who achieve their goal and make it big. One such friend is Priyank. Yesterday seeing him through made me feel joyous and happy. I could share his happiness vicariously. He went through numerous ups and downs but kept his calm. All the self-respect and esteem was put on the stake. Life hinged on UPSC. Eventually, success touched his feet. A standing ovation to his consistency pursuit.
Second is about the importance of positive thinking in the pursuit: I came across a candidate who no one had expected to clear the examination but in the end, she cleared it with a bang. It is a perfect story of a minion overcoming a tiger and riding on it. One would be left wondering that how could she do it? She was always so full of doubt and uncertainty. In her words, one thought that 'nobody knows the result and she could be the rank one' ignited the feeling of self-belief amid all the clouds of darkness and doubts.
The third is about the importance of accepting of the result: Some of my friends invested entire decade into this examination. One failure is relatively easy to swallow but a series of failure is too hard to absorb. One may start doubting the concept of God, or hard work, and often question his destiny. In the midst of so much negativity, the real stars are those who are able to get up after each failure and walk unscathed and indifferently in the middle of demolishing dreams. These are the pure souls. One who have undergone transformation and who have learned the reality of the life. The reality is life is a myth. We take so much of it for granted.
My learnings:
Believe in your stars. They listen and respond to your beliefs.
Life is simple. Take it easy. Do not compare. Just chill. Your happiness could be your biggest reward. Those who clear it may be happy for a moment but those who understand the nature and vagaries of life through this exam will be happy eternally.
Consistency, positive thinking, and resilience is the way to go.