Daijiworld Media Network - Haryana
Haryana, Sep 1: Mona Pruthi’s journey from teaching English to securing All India Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination stands as a tale of grit and perseverance.
Born in Faridabad, Haryana, Mona pursued English literature at Lady Shri Ram College, followed by an MA at Hans Raj College and an MPhil from Delhi University. She began her career as an English teacher at Delhi University’s Maharaja Agrasen College but simultaneously nurtured her dream of joining the civil services.
Her first two attempts at the UPSC exams did not bring the desired outcome, though she secured a post in the Indian Revenue Services in her second attempt and served in the Customs & Excise Department. Refusing to give up, she made her third attempt in 2005 and emerged as the national topper with AIR 1, choosing English Literature and Sociology as her optional subjects.
While her father, N L Pruthi, an additional sessions judge, had always hoped to see her as an IAS officer, he passed away before witnessing her success. Her mother’s support proved to be her strength throughout the journey.
Mona is married to IAS officer A Sreenivas of the 2004 batch, who currently serves as CEO of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority.
Her story continues to inspire countless aspirants who dare to dream of becoming an IAS officer.