Raju Wagh: From Village Dreams to UPSC Success as a CRPF Officer
Raju Wagh's Inspiring Journey
By Lavanya Rathore
Raju Wagh, hailing from a small village in Nashik, Maharashtra, has transformed his life from aspiring to be a truck driver to achieving the remarkable feat of securing AIR 817 in the UPSC 2024 examination. In an exclusive interview, he shares insights about his upbringing, career shifts, experiences in Bastar, and the significance of belief, perseverance, and support systems.
Early Life and Education
I grew up in a village in Nashik, where I completed my early education from 1st to 4th grade at a Zila Parishad school. Later, I moved to a nearby town for my studies until the 8th grade. I then cleared the Navodaya Vidyalaya entrance exam and continued my education there. After finishing 12th grade, I took the JEE Mains and secured admission to NIT Nagpur.
Upon graduating in engineering, I was placed at Coal India Limited as an Assistant Manager, where I worked for about four to five years. During my time there, I learned about the UPSC Civil Services Examination and decided to pursue it. My first attempt at the Civil Services interview was in 2018, but I did not make it to the final list. I also attempted the Indian Forest Services interview but was unsuccessful.
In the meantime, I cleared the CRPF examination conducted by UPSC and joined the force, with my first posting in Bastar. This experience was transformative, as I underwent training in Gurugram but was stationed in a vastly different environment.
Experiences in Bastar
During my time in Bastar, I encountered Naxalism and witnessed the stark contrast between tribal communities and mainstream India. We set up camps with a team of 150 personnel, and I led various operations. It was disheartening to see the level of disconnect and poverty among the tribal people. We were tasked with raising the Indian flag in areas that had not seen it for 75 years, and I was struck by the extreme backwardness, where many tribal women lacked basic clothing.
This situation compelled us to take action. We began by providing clothing, inviting the locals to our camps, sharing meals, and eventually raising the flag together to foster a sense of belonging. Initially, the locals were apprehensive of our uniforms, fearing we would harm them. Building their trust took nearly two years, and I was stationed there from 2021 to 2023.
Childhood Aspirations
As a child, my aspirations were limited; I dreamed of becoming a truck driver. Coming from a financially challenged family, my mother was a homemaker, and my father worked as a primary school teacher in a small tribal village.
My perspective changed significantly after joining Navodaya Vidyalaya, where I encountered high achievers and individuals with a broader outlook. This exposure shifted my ambitions, and after completing my 11th and 12th grades, I aimed for engineering at IIT, ultimately enrolling in NIT.
NIT provided me with a platform to interact with diverse students, learn new languages, and overcome my shyness. However, while working at Coal India, I found the job to be monotonous and technical. The success of a local doctor who became a District Magistrate inspired me to pursue Civil Services, as I admired the respect he garnered.
Challenges and Support
This was my sixth attempt at the UPSC exam, and it was indeed challenging, especially while managing a job. I faced numerous setbacks, and at one point, I even paused my preparations after joining the CRPF.
In 2023, I got married, and my wife was also preparing for the Civil Services. To support her, I resumed my studies, and while she did not qualify for the interview, I was fortunate enough to succeed.
My family has always been my backbone, but my sister provided immense support before my marriage, and after that, my wife became my strongest ally.
Overcoming Adversity
There were numerous moments when I felt like giving up, especially during the exam process. However, the unwavering support from my wife and family kept me motivated. They reassured me, saying, “You can do it; we are here for you.”
Surviving operations in high-risk areas like Naxal territories taught me resilience. I utilized every spare moment for preparation, and clearing the prelims boosted my confidence. I took a 1.5-month leave to focus on Mains, and my seniors were supportive, which was a significant encouragement.
Memorable Experiences
One of the most harrowing experiences was witnessing a blast during an operation that resulted in the martyrdom of a fellow jawan right before my eyes. Such losses are deeply felt, as we live and work closely with our comrades, and losing someone so dear is a lasting memory.
Despite the emotional toll, I learned to compartmentalize my feelings and maintain focus on my duties.
Impact of CRPF on UPSC Preparation
My time in the CRPF significantly aided my UPSC preparation. While teaching children in the camp, my efforts were recognized by the SP, who informed the DM, leading to the establishment of a school and electricity in the area. This experience made me realize the critical need for education and health in Bastar, and I understood that true change comes through development, which motivated me to pursue a career in Civil Services.
Future Aspirations
If I were to be posted in Bastar or a tribal area again, my focus would be on improving health and education. Enhancing educational opportunities for the next generation and providing adequate healthcare for the current population are my priorities. I have witnessed tragic losses due to inadequate healthcare facilities, and I believe that infrastructure development is essential.
The root cause of the Naxal issue in Bastar stems from feelings of alienation and disconnection from mainstream society. It is crucial to integrate with their culture rather than impose our own. Policies should be tailored to respect their cultural context, including education in local languages and training for officers in tribal customs.
Preparation Strategy
My mantra for UPSC preparation is consistency. A simple strategy of dedicating even 2-3 hours daily can yield results if maintained consistently. Consistency often outweighs hard work, smart work, and talent.
I relied on online resources for my studies, creating concise notes for optional and subjective topics, which proved invaluable during the revision period before Mains.
Essential Reading
Three books I followed religiously include:
- Anthropology by Akshat Jain
- Laxmikant (for Polity)
- Standard books for Environment and Ethics
Expectations and Leisure
I anticipate being assigned to the Indian Revenue Services this time, but I plan to continue my efforts for further attempts.
On a day off duty, I would engage in yoga and meditation for a couple of hours, enjoy breakfast, read, and seek tranquility in nature, perhaps near a jungle or water body.
Quick Insights
Happy Place? Jungle or near water
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Go-to song? Songs by Kishore Kumar
Most used app? YouTube, Instagram, Twitter
Comfort food? Besan bhakri, roti, and green chili thecha
Who makes you happy? Spending time with childhood friends and CRPF batchmates
Go-to person in tough times? I practice Vipassana and listen to Shri S.N. Goenka.
Title of a book on your life? From Materialism to Spiritualism
Message to younger self? Follow your instincts
Take on recent events in 2024? It’s been a disastrous year
Most Memorable Moment
During a significant operation in Chhattisgarh involving 20,000 personnel, I was leading a team when I received news of my UPSC selection. Despite the excitement, I remained focused on completing the operation before celebrating.
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
Failures are an integral part of the journey. Trust in yourself, maintain consistency, learn from your mistakes, and keep progressing. Regular study will ultimately lead to success.