From Doctor to IAS Topper: How Dr. Renu Raj is Transforming Lives of Tribal Children

Dr. Renu Raj, a former gynecologist from Kerala, secured All India Rank 2 in her first UPSC attempt in 2014. Leaving behind medicine, she joined the IAS to drive grassroots change. Now serving in Wayanad, she works to uplift tribal communities through education, nutrition, and digital access. Her initiatives include mobile schools, health drives, and bridge education centers. Renu Raj’s journey from the operating room to remote villages reflects her belief in transformation through empathy and governance. She’s not just an officer but a changemaker, proving that real success lies in empowering others.

In a country where cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a dream for millions, Dr. Renu Raj did it in her very first attempt — securing an impressive All India Rank 2 in 2014. But her story didn’t stop with a rank. After leaving behind a promising career in medicine, she is now on a mission to uplift tribal communities through education, empathy, and grassroots governance.

Who Is Dr. Renu Raj?

Dr. Renu Raj, a native of Kerala, was a practicing gynecologist before she decided to appear for the UPSC CSE 2014. Her goal wasn’t just career advancement — it was social transformation.

• MBBS from Government Medical College, Kottayam

• AIR 2 in her first UPSC attempt in 2014

• Joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the Kerala cadre

• Currently serving in a tribal-focused administrative role in Wayanad, Kerala

Why She Left Medicine for the Civil Services

In her own words, medicine helped her treat individuals — but the IAS gave her the power to transform communities. She realized that policymaking, governance, and ground-level reforms could bring large-scale impact, especially to marginalized populations.

Helping Tribal Children: A Mission Beyond Duty

Now posted in one of Kerala’s tribal districts, Dr. Renu Raj is working closely with Adivasi communities, focusing especially on:

• Bringing tribal children back to school

• Combating malnutrition and child marriages

• Establishing bridge education centers

• Launching skill-building and scholarship schemes

• Ensuring proper documentation for education entitlements

Key Initiatives Led by Dr. Renu Raj

1. Tribal Education Outreach Programs

She introduced mobile outreach units and volunteer teaching groups to reach remote hamlets where dropout rates were high.

2. Nutrition and Hygiene Drives

Regular health checkups, vaccination camps, and mid-day meal revamps are being implemented to improve child health.

3. Digital Inclusion Projects

With NGO collaboration, she’s launching smart learning classrooms and mobile library vans in forested tribal zones.

Why Her Story Inspires Thousands

• She didn’t just crack UPSC — she used her position to make a difference.

• She transitioned from personal ambition to public service.

• She proves that real change is possible with compassion and conviction.

What We Can Learn From Her Journey Follow your calling, not just your profession.

1. True leadership is measured by impact, not titles.

2. Education and empathy go hand in hand in nation-building.

Final Thoughts

In a world often obsessed with success stories that end at rank lists, Dr. Renu Raj stands out. Her journey from the operation theatre to remote tribal classrooms shows that real success lies in lifting others as you rise.

She is not just a civil servant — she is a changemaker, healer, and hope-giver.