Who is Manoj Kumar Sharma?
Manoj Kumar Sharma is a name that resonates with resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit. Born in the small town of Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Manoj Kumar Sharma faced extreme poverty and academic setbacks. Despite scoring only 28% in Class 12, he harbored an unshakable dream — to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Today, Manoj Kumar Sharma is not just a celebrated IPS officer but also a real-life hero whose story has inspired millions across India.
The life of Manoj Kumar Sharma is a powerful reminder that one’s circumstances do not determine destiny. His story is the embodiment of never giving up, making him a true symbol of inspiration. It is no surprise that Bollywood chose to narrate the tale of Manoj Kumar Sharma on the big screen, further amplifying his incredible journey.
Early Life Struggles of Manoj Kumar Sharma
The early life of Manoj Kumar Sharma was marked by dire poverty. Born into a lower-middle-class family, Manoj Kumar Sharma experienced firsthand the struggles of making ends meet. His father was a library assistant and the family often struggled to afford basic necessities, including food and books.
Despite the hardships, Manoj Kumar Sharma had dreams larger than life. Even though he did poorly in academics, he never allowed those failures to become roadblocks. In fact, it was during these tough times that Manoj Kumar Sharma developed a sense of purpose and determination that would later define his life.
Manoj Kumar Sharma also worked as a tempo driver and at a library to support himself and his family. These formative years of struggle became the bedrock for the success story that Manoj Kumar Sharma would eventually become.
The Turning Point in Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Life
The turning point in the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma came when he discovered a passion for books while working at the library. Books gave him access to a world beyond his current limitations and introduced him to the dreams he could chase. The inspirational stories he read fueled his determination to crack the UPSC exams.
Manoj Kumar Sharma made a decision that would change his life — he began to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, known as one of the toughest exams in India. With no access to expensive coaching or resources, Manoj Kumar Sharma relied on borrowed books, his own determination, and long hours of self-study.
This phase of life was not easy. Manoj Kumar Sharma had to overcome societal pressure, financial constraints, and the stigma of past failures. Yet, he remained focused on his goal. And after repeated attempts, Manoj Kumar Sharma finally cleared the UPSC examination and became an IPS officer.
Manoj Kumar Sharma: Becoming an IPS Officer
Clearing the UPSC examination was a monumental achievement for Manoj Kumar Sharma. From scoring 28% in school to securing a position in India’s elite civil service, the journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma is nothing short of miraculous.
Upon becoming an IPS officer, Manoj Kumar Sharma was posted in various challenging areas. Known for his integrity, courage, and people-centric policing, Manoj Kumar Sharma quickly earned the respect of both colleagues and the public. He handled high-pressure assignments with maturity and never forgot the struggles that shaped him.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s career in the Indian Police Service is marked by dedication and discipline. Whether dealing with law and order, tackling crime, or helping the underprivileged, Manoj Kumar Sharma has always been a people’s officer. His humility and empathy are what truly set him apart.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Story in Bollywood: 12th Fail
The life of Manoj Kumar Sharma was so inspiring that it caught the attention of acclaimed filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. In 2023, the film 12th Fail was released, based on the biography of Manoj Kumar Sharma written by author Anurag Pathak.
12th Fail captured the struggles, failures, and triumphs of Manoj Kumar Sharma. It starred Vikrant Massey in the lead role and portrayed how Manoj Kumar Sharma battled against all odds. The film received critical acclaim and struck a chord with audiences, especially students and aspirants of competitive exams.
By bringing the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma to cinema halls, the film not only immortalized his journey but also sparked conversations about mental health, failure, and perseverance. The authenticity of 12th Fail reflected the true spirit of Manoj Kumar Sharma and inspired millions across the country.
The Role of Education in Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Transformation
Although he failed in academics early on, Manoj Kumar Sharma always believed in the power of education. It was self-education, through books and practical experiences, that transformed Manoj Kumar Sharma from a struggling student into a scholarly IPS officer.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s story emphasizes that formal education is not the only path to success. What matters most is learning, growth, and determination. His rise underscores how education should be about inspiring curiosity, nurturing ambition, and enabling second chances.
By focusing on self-study and leveraging public libraries, Manoj Kumar Sharma built a strong foundation for his UPSC preparation. Today, many UPSC aspirants cite Manoj Kumar Sharma as a beacon of hope when they feel discouraged.
Personal Life and Values of Manoj Kumar Sharma
Behind the professional achievements, Manoj Kumar Sharma also has a deeply rooted personal life that reflects his values. He is married to IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, who stood by him during his struggles. The love story of Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shraddha Joshi is a testament to partnership and mutual respect.
Manoj Kumar Sharma is known for his grounded personality. Even after becoming an IPS officer, he never distanced himself from his humble beginnings. His values — integrity, humility, and hard work — continue to guide his life decisions.
In many of his interviews, Manoj Kumar Sharma emphasizes the importance of having a dream and working consistently toward it. His story is not just about cracking an exam — it’s about becoming a better version of oneself. That is what makes Manoj Kumar Sharma such a relatable and revered public figure.
Conclusion
The journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma is more than just a success story; it’s a blueprint for anyone who has ever faced failure and still dared to dream. From driving a tempo to becoming an IPS officer and an inspiration for a blockbuster Bollywood film, Manoj Kumar Sharma proves that failure is never the end.
Manoj Kumar Sharma continues to inspire students, professionals, and everyday individuals to rise above their circumstances. His life story teaches us that the real exam is the test of character and that with enough courage and conviction, anything is possible.
Whether through books, his service in the police force, or the big screen portrayal in 12th Fail, the name Manoj Kumar Sharma will continue to motivate generations to believe in the power of hard work and dreams.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Manoj Kumar Sharma?
Manoj Kumar Sharma is an IPS officer whose life story, marked by poverty and perseverance, inspired the Bollywood film 12th Fail.
Q2. What is the movie 12th Fail about Manoj Kumar Sharma?
12th Fail is a biographical film that narrates the life struggles and triumphs of Manoj Kumar Sharma, showcasing his journey to becoming an IPS officer.
Q3. How did Manoj Kumar Sharma become an IPS officer?
Despite scoring poorly in school, Manoj Kumar Sharma worked hard, studied independently, and cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination to become an IPS officer.
Q4. What role did education play in Manoj Kumar Sharma’s success?
Self-education and access to books played a crucial role in transforming Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life and helping him achieve his goal of joining the IPS.
Q5. What is the key message from Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life story?
The life of Manoj Kumar Sharma shows that failure is not final and that with dedication, resilience, and faith in oneself, one can achieve anything.
