Adnan Ali, TwoCircles.net
On January 18, 2025, Ayesha Ansari’s life was transformed. The news that she had cracked the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) 2022 examination and been selected as a deputy collector was not just a personal victory — it was a testament to her perseverance and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Hailing from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, she now stands as the only Muslim in the batch to secure such a prestigious position.
Born into a middle-class Muslim family, where education was often a secondary concern, Ayesha was raised by parents who, despite their own limited formal schooling, placed immense value on her education. Her father, Muslim Ansari, worked tirelessly as a rickshaw driver, while her mother, Rukhsana Ansari, devoted herself to homemaking. Neither parent was highly educated, yet both understood the transformative power of knowledge and encouraged their daughter to pursue it with all her might.
As a young girl, Ayesha faced scepticism and doubts, both from relatives and from people within her community. “They would ask my father, ‘By educating your daughter, will you make her a collector?’” she recalls.
But her father stood firm and refused to be swayed by these doubts. His belief in Aysha’s potential was a constant source of strength. “He told me, ‘When I go for my morning walks, I pass by the homes of administrative officers. I dream that one day, my daughter’s name will be associated with such a position. Maybe you will fulfil that dream.’” she said.
Aysha’s journey began at the Government Praveen Kanya School in Rewa, where she first dreamt of a future in public service. Later, she pursued a degree in biotechnology at Government Aadarsh College. During her college years, she was introduced to the idea of the civil services by seniors who believed she could one day become an administrative officer. Inspired by their encouragement, she said she decided to prepare for the MPPSC exam while still in college.
Financial constraints meant that Ayesha could not afford coaching classes. Undeterred, she embraced self-study and set up a dedicated study space at home. Her determination led her to work part-time as a teacher at a private school and offer tuition classes. Every penny she earned was invested back into her education — buying textbooks, paying for study materials and covering other essential expenses.
As the eldest child in her family, Ayesha also took on the responsibility of improving her family’s financial situation. With two younger brothers still in school, she understood that her success could pave the way for a better future for them. The weight of these responsibilities only strengthened her resolve to succeed.
Despite his deteriorating health, Ayesha’s father remained her steadfast supporter throughout her journey. “My father would always say that his dream was to see me in a position of power, not for power’s sake, but for the respect and influence that would come with it,” Ayesha said. “He always believed that education is the real empowerment.”
While deeply personal, Ayesha’s achievement carries a profound societal message. As the only Muslim among the 24 candidates selected for the Deputy Collector role in the MPPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, her success highlights the educational gaps within the Muslim community in the region. She believes that education is the key to breaking free from marginalisation and overcoming the obstacles faced by her community.
“The Muslim community often lags in education, and this is a major contributor to our marginalisation,” she explains. “Education is the key to overcoming this backwardness.”
Ayesha’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and the critical role that family support plays in realising dreams. Despite limited resources, Ayesha’s unyielding dedication and the belief instilled by her parents allowed her to break through societal constraints and achieve her full potential. Her success is proof that no dream is too big to achieve with determination and the right support.