Inspiring Success: Sweeper’s Son Triumphs as UPSC Topper

For 32-year-old Prashant Suresh Bhojane, whose mother serves as a civic sweeper in Maharashtra’s Thane city, achieving success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam was a lifelong aspiration. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit and ultimately realized his dream.

Thane: In the recently announced final results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023, Prashant secured the 849th rank, marking a significant milestone in his journey. His quest began in 2015, when he first embarked on the path to achieving his dream, and after nine attempts, he finally emerged victorious.
The achievement brought joy to the folks of Khartan Road Sweepers Colony, where Prashant’s family resides. They held a lively procession on Wednesday night to celebrate. Some local leaders joined in too. Prashant’s mom works as a sweeper with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and his dad is a Class IV worker there. Although Prashant got an engineering degree, he didn’t fancy working in that field. His dream was always to become an IAS officer, as per his family.

Video | Prashant, a sweepers son from Thane, clears UPSC exams. Celebration in TMC sweepers colony, Prashant taken around in a chariot. Report by Anil Shinde pic.twitter.com/uxMvyooh4v

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Prashant shared with PTI that while preparing for the UPSC exam, he worked in Delhi from 2020 at a coaching center for competitive exams. He checked mock exam papers there to support himself financially while studying. He mentioned that his parents often urged him to quit exams and come back home, but he stayed determined, confident that he’d achieve his dream someday. He expressed gratitude that their silent support paid off.

His dad, Suresh Bhojane, expressed immense happiness seeing his son pass the UPSC exam. Initially, he wanted Prashant to start a job, but now he believes Prashant’s decision was spot on. Jagdish Kairalia, general secretary of ‘Shramik Janata Sangh Union’, which oversees the labor union in several civic bodies, highlighted how Prashant’s success inspired the entire neighborhood. He emphasized that one shouldn’t underestimate sweepers, as their children are talented too. Prashant serves as a role model for others in the colony.