When Ravi Raj secured an impressive AIR 20 in the UPSC Civil Services examinations, he became an inspiration not just for the exam aspirants, but for the countless people who are just like him. This wasn’t the first time Ravi Raj cleared the UPSC Civil Services examination. In the 2024 exam, he secured Rank 182. He believed in himself and gave it another shot. However, as a visually impaired candidate, it wasn’t easy for Ravi to achieve the dream. But, standing firmly behind him were his strongest pillars; A mother, who quite literally became his eyes, and a hardworking farmer father who firmly believed in his child’s potential.Ravi raj hails from a small village Mahuli located in Bihar’s Nawada District. In a BBC interview Ravi Raj shared that as a young boy he wasn’t visually impaired. He was hit by a rare genetic disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition where the retina slowly degenerates and thus weakens the eyesight. His visual disorder is almost 90%.
Image courtesy: PBS
Ravi started facing difficulties in studies when he was in 10th standard. Soon his mother Vibha Sinha, a homemaker, came up with a solution for his studies. In the BBC interview, Ravi shared that his mother played a big role in his studies. “Meri mummy books ya notes ko padha karti thi aur main sunta tha. Jab likhne ki baari aati thi, toh mummy likha karti thi jo main kehta tha.” (“My mother used to read books and notes aloud while I listened. And whenever it was time to write, she would write whatever I dictated.”)Ravi raj’s mother Vibha said “Hum dono ek dusre ki shadow ban kar rahe hain.” (“Both of us have become each other’s shadow.”)
Image courtesy: BBC News Hindi
In a recent interview with ABP News, Vibha Sinha, a graduate said, “bohot se log bolte hain aapne hi usko padhaya hai, aapne hi kiya hai… ye sab galat hai… Maa padhati thode hi hai… Maa toh bache ke saath hamesha kehlti rehthi.. Hum kitaab ke saath khele hain. Kuchh loh kuchh khilauna dete hain, hum kitaab dekar uske saath kehlte rahe… aur usi khel mein mera bacha IAS ban gaya hai.”Vibha Sinha explained that she never saw herself as a teacher shaping her son’s success alone. Instead, she described their journey as a shared experience built on companionship, learning, and constant support. While many parents entertain children with toys, she chose to make books a part of Ravi’s everyday life, turning study sessions into moments of bonding.Ranjan Kumar Sinha, Ravi Raj’s father is full of pride. Detailing his son’s passion, Ranjan Kumar shared that in UPSC CSE 2024, Ravi secured AIR 186, and in BPSC 2024 he secured a government job, but he didn’t join. “Usko junoon tha kis usko IAS banna hai” (“He was determined to become an IAS officer.”).
Image courtesy: Jagran
Sharing a message for people facing challenges like his, Ravi said, “Apne aap par vishwas rakhna hoga” (One must believe in oneself.) “ he further adds that our society often thinks that if a person is visually challenged or so-called disabled, they become a burden on the family and society. We, as individuals and as a society, need to rise above this mindset.”)Ravi also shared practical advice for visually challenged aspirants preparing for competitive exams. He emphasized the importance of choosing a good scribe and building a strong understanding with them through regular practice. According to him, imagination also plays a powerful role in learning. He explained that visually impaired students should try to imagine concepts and situations so vividly that it feels as though they are actually seeing them.
