UPSC results are out. Like many others,Ansar Ahamad Shaikh, one of the candidates who successfully cleared the exam with All-India Rank of 361. in first attempt. But there is more to the story.

Ansar Ahamad Shaikh had to change his name from Shaikh to Shubham in order to get accommodation and food in the city of Pune.

While talking to Indian Express he said,

I remember when I went to look for a PG accommodation, my friends who were Hindus got rooms but I was refused. So the next time, I said that my name was Shubham, which was actually my friend’s name. Now I don’t have to hide my real name.

Shaikh comes from Maharashtra, Shedgaon village in Jalna district. His father works as an autorickshaw driver.

My father has three wives, my mom is the second. In my family, education wasn’t so important. My younger brother dropped out of school and my two sisters were married off at an early age and didn’t study much. When I called home and told them that I cracked UPSC and in all likelihood will be an IAS officer, they were shell shocked.

I am marginalised in three categories – I come from a backward region, I am a Muslim and am from a poor economic background.

We wish Ansar Ahamad Shaikh all the best for his future in hope that he does best for the society.