In the lush landscapes of Kerala, in the village of Edavannappara, Mohammed Ali Shihab was born. But with his birth came the shackles of poverty, binding him to a life of hardships.
From a young age, the weight of the world rested heavily on Shihab’s frail shoulders. The financial state of their home was dire. As a boy, he walked beside his father, selling betel leaves and bamboo baskets. Their meager earnings, while small, played a crucial role in keeping the family afloat.
However, in 1991, tragedy struck the family. Shihab’s father succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving a void that was almost impossible to fill. The mantle of responsibility then shifted to their mother, a woman who hadn’t known the privilege of education but possessed the strength of a lioness. With five mouths to feed, she faced a heart-wrenching decision.
Understanding the importance of food and shelter for her son, she took a painful step. Shihab was sent to an orphanage. Many would view orphanages with skepticism, but for Shihab, this institution became a beacon of hope. For a decade, it became his refuge, ensuring he received not just meals, but also a chance at a brighter future.
The dream of joining the Indian civil services began to take shape in Shihab’s heart when he was 25. With determination and hard work, he earned good grades in the SSLC exam and later completed a teacher training course. This academic achievement secured him a position as a teacher, giving him a semblance of stability.
Yet, his aspirations extended beyond the confines of a classroom. The civil services examination beckoned, and Shihab heeded its call. His initial attempts were marred by failures, but resilience was in his nature. In 2011, after his third attempt, Shihab tasted success. Securing the 226th rank All India, he transformed from a boy burdened by poverty to an IAS officer.
His journey, marked by a mother’s sacrifice and his own indomitable spirit, serves as a testament to the fact that with perseverance, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. Mohammed Ali Shihab’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but also a shining beacon of hope for countless others in similar situations.
