The ‘Coolie’ Who Carried His Dreams: From Railway Coolie to IAS Officer; Sreenath K’s Inspiring Journey of Grit, Free Wi-Fi & Self-Study
The ‘Coolie’ Who Carried His Dreams: From Railway Coolie to IAS Officer; Sreenath K's Inspiring Journey of Grit, Free Wi-Fi & Self-Study
Without coaching or costly books, Sreenath K relied on mobile internet and sheer willpower to crack India’s toughest exam.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often considered the Mount Everest of competitive exams in India. Each year, over 10 lakh aspirants dream of joining the prestigious IAS, IPS, or IFS, but only a few make it—especially those without financial backing or coaching support. Among them stands Sreenath K, a former railway coolie from Kerala, whose story continues to inspire thousands.
Sreenath hails from Munnar, a picturesque but economically challenged region in Kerala. To support his family, he took up work as a porter (coolie) at Ernakulam railway station, earning just ₹400–500 a day. Life was tough. Paying for UPSC coaching or even buying standard books was out of the question.
But Sreenath had a powerful ally: free public Wi-Fi.
By day, Sreenath hauled luggage. By night, he transformed into a determined student. He used his basic smartphone and free railway station Wi-Fi to watch YouTube lectures, download mock tests, and access UPSC preparation material—all without spending a rupee on coaching.
He studied sitting on the same station platforms where he worked, sometimes into the early hours of the morning. His life was a perfect blend of sweat, sacrifice, and strategy.
Before attempting the UPSC, Sreenath first cleared the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) exams and secured a respectable government job. But his eyes were always set on the IAS.
On his fourth attempt, Sreenath finally cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018. While his exact All India Rank (AIR) hasn’t been publicly disclosed, he reportedly scored around 82% in the written exams, earning him a place in India’s elite administrative services.
Sreenath’s feat drew national attention. Union Minister Piyush Goyal publicly praised him for his dedication, calling him a true symbol of resilience. Google India also highlighted his story as a shining example of how technology can empower even the most underprivileged.
His Message to Aspirants
Sreenath K’s mantra is simple yet powerful:
“You don’t need coaching, you need courage. You don’t need money, you need commitment.”
His journey proves that self-study, access to digital resources, and relentless perseverance can overcome even the harshest circumstances. Today, as a serving IAS officer, Sreenath not only serves the nation but stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of aspirants from modest backgrounds.
His life is a reminder that dreams don’t require luxury, they demand dedication. And sometimes, all it takes is a smartphone, free Wi-Fi, and the will to never give up.
