Shivamogga: A girl from a remote village in Sagar taluk has proved that national-level competitive examinations are not meant only for students of urban areas, rural talent too can shine in them by securing the 931st rank in the UPSC exam held this year.
Ms Priya Shetty, daughter of Ganapaiah Shetty and Gunavathi, is the achiever. She comes from Byakodu village, considered one of the most backward villages in Sharavathy backwater region. One has to brave all odds to reach the village which does not have basic facilities such as roads, electricity and schools. With her achievement, she has conveyed a strong message that talent is not the monopoly of the rich or urban people. Her father is a farmer.
She did her primary education in a government school. Later, she studied in Morarji Desai Residential School at Gajanur in Shivamogga. She studied in Kannada medium from class 1 to 7. Later, she did B.Sc in MGM College in Udupi in 2011. After completing the second PUC, she had made up her mind to appear for UPSC examinations. Though she got a job in State Bank of Mysore after completing her degree, she rejected the offer and moved towards her goal.She managed to brave all odds and came out with flying colours.
She did not gain success in her first attempt. Though she cleared the written examinations in her second attempt, she was not given a job offer as she got 11 marks less during the interview. She persisited and did it in 2015.
But she is not satisfied. Sharing her views with Deccan Chronicle, she said, "I have obtained the 931st rank. With this, I can't become an IAS or IPS officer. So, I have decided to appear for the examinations again to improve my rank."
