Who is Birdev Siddhappa
A member of the Kuruba shepherding group, Birdev Siddhappa Done is a 27-year-old from Yamage village in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. After a remarkable journey from caring for sheep to aiming for the Indian Police Service (IPS), he earned All India Rank (AIR) 551 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Birdev is an example to many because of his dedication and self-study, which enabled him to succeed despite coming from a lowly home, having few resources, and having made two unsuccessful attempts before.
From Shepherd to Civil Servant: Birdev Siddhappa Done’s Inspiring UPSC Journey
A young guy from the Kuruba shepherding clan named Birdev Siddhappa Done has accomplished a remarkable feat by earning All India Rank (AIR) 551 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, in a touching story of perseverance and hard work. Birdev, a native of Yamage village in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and a student in Karnataka, is a living example of the value of tenacity and diligence. He went from caring for sheep outside to passing one of India's most difficult tests.
A Humble Beginning in Yamage
The story of Birdev starts in Yamage, a small village where he was raised in a humble household without a pucca house. Being from the Kuruba group, which is typically known for farming and sheep-rearing, Birdev spent his early years juggling his academic obligations with his family's needs. Despite the dearth of resources, he would study on the school porch or outside, despite the fact that he was frequently spotted grazing sheep in the Nanavadi, Karnataka, hills. After completing his elementary school at Vidya Mandir School, he went on to Jai Maharashtra High School in Yamage for his secondary education.
From an early age, Birdev displayed academic excellence. He scored an impressive 96% in his Class 10 exams, standing first in Murgud Center, and secured 89% in his Class 12 exams at Shivraj Vidyalaya Junior College. Inspired by his elder brother, who serves in the Indian Army, Birdev initially dreamed of a military career but later set his sights on the civil services, particularly the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Birdev's road to UPSC success was not an easy one. He had little time for studying because of his financial situation and the responsibilities of being a shepherd. But he never faltered in his resolve. Birdev worked in India Post for a short time after earning his B.Tech, but he left to concentrate on his UPSC preparation. He demonstrated that perseverance and strategic planning may overcome a lack of resources by relying on self-study rather than costly coaching.
Birdev faced setbacks, failing his first two UPSC attempts. However, his resilience shone through. On his third attempt, at the age of 27, he achieved AIR 551, a rank that positions him as a likely candidate for the IPS—a dream he has nurtured since school. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, as he refused to let failures define his journey.
A Moment of Triumph in Belgaum
Birdev and his parents were grazing sheep in Belgaum on April 22, 2025, rather than in his hamlet, when the UPSC results were revealed. The news that changed his life came over the phone from a friend: he had passed the AIR 551 exam. Not only was Birdev ecstatic, but his entire community was as well. In an unplanned felicitation ceremony outside their modest hut, his father, Siddappa Done, grinned proudly as he dressed Birdev in a yellow Dhangari Pheta, a traditional headdress. Even though Siddappa was not conversant with the complexities of the public service, he was confident that his son's diligence had paid off.
The village of Yamage erupted in celebration, recognizing Birdev’s achievement as a collective triumph. His story has become a beacon of hope, inspiring countless others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams despite adversity.
The Kuruba Community’s Pride
For the Kuruba community, which is renowned for its pastoral customs and solid social cohesion, Birdev's triumph has profound cultural importance. His accomplishment demonstrates the community's capacity to dismantle obstacles and support the development of the country. People's appreciation for Birdev is evident in posts on X, where they refer to his voyage as "a testament to grit and dreams" and a "salute to his hard work." For every child in rural India who has the courage to dream large, his narrative serves as a beacon of hope.
A Legacy of Inspiration
More than just a personal triumph, Birdev Siddhappa Done's journey from a shepherd to a UPSC rank holder is a story that dispels myths and reimagines what is feasible. After years of studying under difficult circumstances, his success at the age of 27 is a potent reminder that willpower can get past even the most difficult challenges. Birdev is an example to ambitious government officials across as he gets ready to join the Indian Police Service.
His narrative, which has been praised by publications like the Deccan Herald and Free Press Journal, serves as a wake-up call for young aspirants: no obstacle is too great and no desire is too vast if one works hard and believes in oneself. Birdev, congrats on demonstrating to the world that the possibilities are endless.
