Beti makes this Hry family proud, again

GURGAON: Daughter of a grocery store owner, Kanika Goyal was the first in her family to graduate. This week, the family is celebrating again after the 23-year-old finished in the top 10 of the Union Public Service Commission exams. Her ninth spot was also the best rank in the state in the 2022 civils.
Kanika, a resident of Kaithal, says she dreamt of becoming an IAS officer since she was in school. She cleared UPSC in her second attempt. The political science graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram college dedicates her success to the unwavering support of her family. "I was inspired by stories of IAS officers I used to read about in the newspaper. I wanted to make my parents proud by achieving something that nobody had ever achieved in my family," she says.
Kanika didn't opt for coaching classes, choosing online test series and mock interviews instead. "I used to write regularly, read different books, and do pranayam every day," she says.
It was also perseverance that helped Muskan Dagar of Jhajjar secure all-India rank 72 this time, a massive jump from 474th last year. Daughter of a farmer, Muskan's mother wanted her to become a doctor, but she had her sights set on UPSC. "My parents made sure too many guests didn't visit our place, and they didn't go out often. I'd say my success has more to do with my parents than me," the history graduate from Hindu College (DU) said.
Muskan, currently a trainee with the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), hopes to join as an IAS trainee by August-September. "I want to improve the condition of women and children in the country," she adds.
Anjali Garg, 25, admits she is an "all-rounder". The Panchkula resident is a doctor, and was among the toppers (5th rank) in the Haryana Civil Services exams. The HCS trainee just achieved all-India rank 79 in UPSC exams.