destiny, luck, hardwork and chance

It is 06th, May 2010 and Thank God! My name is finally in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2009 Final merit list with AIR-290. The three years of being inside the pressure cooker has been very painful. I can now relax somewhat and be satisfied with IPS. I could not celebrate the moment for at least half an hour. I had to rush to the airport. I had a lecture to take the next morning in Delhi.

So, how did it all happen? I have been thinking over it for quite sometime what could be the possible reason to qualify in this most strenuous and competitive exam.

My wife said our new born daughter brought the good luck to me. I was already very happy to welcome our new member in the family so didn't get into any argument. Then came the call from the owner of the house where I am staying on rent. He was 200% confident that I qualified because I stayed in his house. He claims that his house brings all the luck to the tenants. OK, I could not argue as I need to stay here till my training gets over.

May 11th article in TOI was quite generous. One call came from a guy who saw that article. He identified himself as the same guy who had sold his plot to me in 2006 (at least 30% more than the market price :-(). I started my UPSC preparations in 2007. So, he claimed that it is because I bought the plot from him, I could crack this exam. His plot brought me the luck.

Obviously, the other friends who are into Civil Service Preparations world agreed that i cleared because of hardwork and some amount of luck.

But, in one corner of my mind I was thinking what was the reason? Is it just a chance that I didn't fail anywhere? Essay could have spoiled my game. Or, it could have been the interview. But, all went fine with so many challenges and hurdles.

I think may be it is a chance or destiny. How is it possible that a village boy born to parents who don't know what is school could possibly come to this stage?

I feel Destiny created all the necessary hardwork, chances, and lucks required for me to reach here.

For me one question still haunts and may haunt forever. Is civil services worth all the sacrifices I have made? Will I be able to do what I have been dreaming all this while? I will write more on this in my next post.