In a small village of Chhattisgarh, as the morning sun spread over the fields, hope also arose in a house. This is the story of Sanjay Dharaiya, the son of the same house, who made pain a stepping stone and reached his dreams. Six years of battle with cancer, paralysis, four major surgeries, and still only one thing in mind, “Don’t give up.”

Born in Beltukri village of Mahasamund district, Sanjay’s father is a farmer. There were less resources at home, but the importance of education was very great. Started studies from village government school. A dream began to blossom amidst the smell of soil, rough roads and limited resources.

Navodaya’s path and a dream

Sanjay was selected in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. While studying from here till 12th, he saw an IAS officer for the first time. That very day it was decided in his mind that one day he too would join the administrative service. But seeing the condition of the house, he first chose the path of job, so that he could support the family.

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study with job

After 12th, Sanjay started teaching in school. Along with this he also continued his studies. Later, he got a chance to work in government institutions like SBI and India Post. Work during the day, study at night. He kept devoting six-seven hours every day to his dream.

the hardest turn of life

Then one day life took a turn. In the year 2012, the news of cancer shook everything. Treatment started, and in the meantime paralysis also set in. Four major surgeries took place between 2013 and 2015. The hospital room, the smell of medicines and the silence became his world.

First failure, then new preparations

In the year 2019, Sanjay appeared for the UPSC exam for the first time. The result was not as expected. But this time they did not break. He understood that if the dream is big, then patience will also have to be big. He came to Raipur in 2022 and started preparing with full force. Sanjay’s name was ranked 946th in the Civil Services Examination 2025 of the Union Public Service Commission. He passed this examination at the age of 38.

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