In 2011, at the age of 23, Sanjay Dahariya’s life took an unexpected and challenging turn. Working as an assistant in a Kolkata bank, Dahariya was diagnosed with parotid cancer, a malignant tumor in his salivary gland. This diagnosis abruptly shattered his ambitions of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, a dream he had nurtured since childhood. However, what followed was a remarkable 14-year journey marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Despite battling cancer and enduring extensive treatment, Dahariya ultimately succeeded in clearing the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 946.
Born into a farming family in Beltukri village in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, Dahariya’s early years were characterized by academic excellence and ambition. Throughout his schooling, he consistently ranked among the top 10 students in his class. After completing fifth standard in his village, he cleared the entrance exam for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Raipur, the state capital. At JNV, he completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and finished third in his class. It was here that Dahariya first encountered an IAS officer who served as the chairman of his school. The officer’s visit left a lasting impression on the young student, fueling his aspiration to join the civil services.
In 2011, while pursuing his graduation, Dahariya secured a job as an assistant in a Kolkata bank, relying on his HSC certificate. Alongside his job, he began preparing for the UPSC exams. However, his health soon deteriorated due to an abnormal swelling near his right ear. Subsequent medical tests, including multiple biopsies, confirmed the presence of parotid cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock to Dahariya, who had no family history of cancer and led a healthy lifestyle free from addictions. The cause of his illness remained unclear, adding to the emotional turmoil he experienced.
Between 2011 and 2018, Dahariya underwent extensive treatment at the Tata Cancer Hospital in Mumbai, a leading institution for cancer care in India. His treatment regimen was grueling and involved four major surgeries. The first operation in 2012 failed to halt the spread of the cancer, necessitating a second, more radical surgery in 2013 during which the entire salivary gland was removed. While this surgery saved his life, it resulted in paralysis on the right side of his face, causing permanent nerve damage. Two additional operations were required to manage the side effects of the cancer and its treatment. Over eight years, he endured 28 cycles of radiation therapy, a testament to the severity of his condition and the persistence of the disease.
Despite these physical challenges, Dahariya remained committed to his career and studies. Throughout his treatment, he switched between four different banking jobs to support himself and cover the rising medical expenses, which amounted to approximately 15 lakh rupees (around $18,000 USD). In 2019, he made the difficult decision to quit his job as a bank manager to focus on consolidating his mental and emotional strength. He remained unemployed for nearly three years, dedicating this time to recovery and preparation for his civil service aspirations.
The physical effects of the cancer and subsequent surgeries were profound. Removal of the facial nerves passing through the gland left Dahariya unable to feel anything on the right side of his face. He experienced a constant buzzing sensation in his right ear and suffered from hearing impairment. Additionally, he lost the ability to close his right eye, requiring him to cover it with a cloth while sleeping and use eye drops regularly to prevent dryness. Even years after the surgeries, Dahariya remains under regular medical follow-up to manage these ongoing complications.
Emotionally, the journey was equally taxing. Dahariya admits to feeling overwhelmed and emotional at times, necessitating a period of adjustment and coping. During this phase, he found solace and motivation in listening to the talks of B.K. Shivani, a well-known motivational speaker. Her guidance helped him regain confidence and rekindle his belief in the possibility of achieving his IAS dream. He recalls asking himself whether it was truly feasible to clear the UPSC exams given his circumstances, and the affirmative answer he received became a catalyst for his renewed efforts.
A significant source of strength for Dahariya came from the compassion and selflessness of people he encountered during his treatment