Joy erupted in Nanavadi village of Belagavi district as news broke that a youth from the local shepherding community had cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Beerappa Siddappa Doni, a B.Tech graduate originally from Amage village in Maharashtra, was visiting relatives in Nanavadi during the holidays when they learned of his success. On April 23, just a day after the results were announced, his relatives received the news and quickly gathered to celebrate in the grasslands where they graze sheep daily.
Securing the 551st rank, Beerappa, who was named after the family’s deity, had earlier aspired to join the Indian Army like his elder brother. However, he was unable to appear for the officer recruitment exams due to various constraints. He later took up a job with India Post, which he eventually left to prepare full-time for the civil services. He cleared the UPSC on his third attempt.
He now hopes to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), based on his rank and preferences listed during the application process.
His father, Siddappa Doni, though unfamiliar with the intricacies of the civil service exams, expressed his pride. “People tell me Beerappa will become a senior police officer. I’m sure he will be happy, since he had always dreamt of serving in uniform,” he said.
His uncle, Yallappa Gaddi of Nanavadi, said the entire community was proud of his achievement. “We hope he becomes an honest officer and supports the underprivileged. His success will motivate other youth in our community to aim high,” he added.
