Born: July 3, 1975
Place of Birth: Chambal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Hindi & History)
Occupation: Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer
Spouse: Shraddha Joshi Sharma (IRS Officer)
Children: 2 (Daughter & Son)
Service Branch: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Rank: Inspector General of Police (IG)
"Success is not the absence of failure: it's the persistence through failure." – Manoj Kumar Sharma
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s story is a profound lesson in
resilience, perseverance, and the power of never giving up. From failing his
12th-grade exams to becoming an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, his life
is a testament to the fact that setbacks are not the end, but rather stepping
stones to success. His journey, marked by determination and unwavering faith in
his abilities, inspires millions of aspirants who dream of cracking the Civil
Services Examination.
Early Struggles: Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
Manoj Kumar Sharma was born on July 3, 1975, in Chambal,
Madhya Pradesh. Raised in a rural setting, Sharma was initially an excellent
student, excelling in his early schooling years. However, things took a drastic
turn when he failed his 12th-grade exams. For many, this failure could have
been a devastating blow, but for Sharma, it was the first challenge of many.
This initial setback shaped his character, fueling his determination to push
beyond his limits. His failure didn’t define him; it drove him to prove that
success was achievable despite obstacles.
Sharma enrolled in Maharani Lakshmi Bai Government College
of Excellence in Gwalior to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Arts, specializing in
Hindi and History. Despite this academic setback, he remained focused on his
dream of entering the Indian Police Service (IPS), proving that one's future is
not determined by past failures but by the courage to rise again.
Civil Services Exam Journey: Persistence Amidst Failures
Sharma’s quest to join the IPS was no easy feat. Civil
Services Examination is known for its tough competition and high rejection
rates, and Sharma was no stranger to this harsh reality. His initial attempts
at cracking the UPSC exams ended in failure, but instead of giving up, he chose
to see each defeat as a lesson, a necessary part of his journey toward success.
Key Lesson: Failure is a lesson, not a defeat. Each attempt teaches us something new, bringing us closer to our goals.
Sharma’s first three attempts at the Civil Services
Examination resulted in disappointment. Yet, he refused to give up. His belief
in the power of perseverance kept him moving forward. Despite the heartbreak
and self-doubt that came with each failure, Sharma's resolve only grew stronger.
He wasn’t just aiming for the IPS; he was determined to make his dream a
reality, no matter how many attempts it took.
Finally, after years of hard work, Sharma succeeded in his
fourth attempt. He secured the 121st rank in the UPSC exams, a moment that
marked the culmination of his relentless efforts. His success became a symbol
of determination, proving that failure is not the end, but merely a pause
before the next attempt.
Lessons from Manoj Kumar Sharma's Life:
Failure is not the End:
The story of Manoj Kumar Sharma teaches us that failure is
just a part of the journey. It is the courage to rise after each failure that
truly defines success.
Hard Work and Perseverance Matter:
Sharma’s repeated attempts at cracking the Civil Services
Examination show that success is not achieved overnight. It is a result of
continuous hard work and the determination to never give up.
Self-Belief:
Even when others may have doubted him, Sharma believed in
his abilities. His self-belief was the driving force behind his eventual
success.
The Power of Education:
Despite his struggles in school, Sharma understood the
importance of education. His academic path was filled with setbacks, but it was
his perseverance that led him to eventually succeed.
Success Through Dedication:
Sharma’s rise in the police force is a testament to his
dedication and passion for serving the country. It shows that success comes
when one is truly committed to their work.
From Civil Servant to IPS Officer: Rising Through the Ranks
In 2005, Manoj Kumar Sharma joined the Indian Police Service
as a part of the Maharashtra cadre. His years of hard work, resilience, and the
lessons learned from his previous failures helped him excel in his new role. As
an IPS officer, Sharma’s commitment to duty and exceptional leadership skills
soon made him a standout figure.
Quote:
“Success is a journey, not a destination. Lessons learned along the way are what truly matter.” – Manoj Kumar Sharma
Over time, Sharma earned respect for his efficiency and
strong leadership abilities. His exemplary service led to his promotion to the
rank of Inspector General of Police (IG), where he made significant
contributions to law enforcement. Today, he serves in the Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF), focusing on enhancing national security, proving that
hard work and dedication always pay off.
Sharma’s story also serves as an example of how public
service can transform a nation. His leadership in the police force showcases
how one individual can make a significant impact in the realm of law
enforcement, all while remaining committed to the values of integrity, service,
and justice.
Balanced Personal Life: Role of Family and Support
Despite his professional success, Sharma has always
maintained a grounded personal life. He is married to Shraddha Joshi Sharma, an
Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, and together they have two children.
Their family is a testament to Sharma’s values of hard work, humility, and
perseverance. Despite his demanding career, Sharma ensures that he balances his
responsibilities as a dedicated father and husband.
His family life serves as a reminder that success is not
just about professional achievements, but also about nurturing personal
relationships and maintaining a strong support system. The love and
encouragement he receives from his family play a crucial role in helping him
continue his journey of success and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Inspiration in Popular Culture: The Movie "12th Fail"
In 2023, Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life was immortalized on the
big screen with the release of the film 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod
Chopra. The movie, featuring actor Vikrant Massey as Sharma, received
widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of Sharma's struggles and
triumphs.
The film resonated deeply with audiences, especially
students, as it emphasized the message that failure is not the end but merely
part of the process. It highlighted the importance of persistence, hard work,
and never giving up on one's dreams. The success of the movie reinforced the
idea that with resilience, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their
goals, just like Sharma did.
Quote:
"Every failure is a lesson that brings you closer to success." – Manoj Kumar Sharma
Through the film, millions of viewers learned that no matter
the odds, one can always rise again, just as Manoj Kumar Sharma did. His story
continues to inspire and motivate countless individuals, especially those
facing academic or personal struggles.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life story is one of triumph over
adversity. From being a "12th Fail" to becoming an IPS officer,
Sharma’s journey proves that failures are simply temporary roadblocks, and
success is the outcome of resilience, hard work, and determination. His life is
a message to every individual struggling with their own setbacks - never give up.
Keep moving forward, and success will eventually be yours.
