Meet IAS Moin Ahmad: Bus driver's son who lost DU admission and cricket to poverty — but not his dream to join civil services

We often hear that success is born from struggle. But for 25-year-old Moin Ahmad, struggle wasn't just a phase; it was the very foundation upon which he built his incredible dream. The son of a Uttar Pradesh roadways bus driver, Moin's story is a powerful example of resilience, rewriting one's destiny and the unwavering spirit to rise above financial hardship.

Every child has a dream. For young Moin, it was the sound of leather on willow, the roar of the crowd and the dream of becoming a cricketer. But in a small house in Moradabad, dreams often collide with reality. His father, Wali Hasan, was the sole breadwinner and the family's limited means couldn't stretch to afford cricket kits or training fees. With a heavy heart, Moin had to let his childhood passion go. It was his first major lesson in life's harsh inequalities, but it planted a seed for a future mission.

Just when he thought things would change, life presented another hurdle. After scoring well in his Class 12 exams, Moin earned a coveted admission to a Delhi University (DU) college. For many, this is a ticket to a brighter future. But for Moin, it was another door that seemed to slam shut. The college fees were out of reach and banks turned down his requests for an education loan.

Refusing to be defeated, Moin didn't give up on education. He chose to pursue his graduation from his hometown in Moradabad. To support his family and save for his own future, he started working at a cyber cafe. His hard work paid off, and soon he was earning a stable income of Rs. 40,000 a month.