Shakti Dubey Tops UPSC, Mahak Jaiswal Excels in Board Exams – A New Era for Prayagraj

Prayagraj, April 25: Once known for its Kumbh Mela, the Sangam, and the prestigious Allahabad University, Prayagraj is now emerging as a new model of a “mafia-free, education-oriented” city. This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it is the result of strong political will, administrative transparency, and active public support. A city that once held a revered position as a leading educational and cultural hub had gradually fallen into the grip of crime and mafia influence. This led to a decline in its reputation, overshadowing the academic excellence it was once known for. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, strict actions were taken against mafias, restoring law and order and reviving the city’s lost academic glory.

The results are now visible. Shakti Dubey, who topped the UPSC examination, has become a symbol of the new Prayagraj. She believes that a conducive environment plays a vital role in education. While civil services aspirants always existed in the region, they lacked the right environment. With improved conditions, talents are once again flourishing. Similarly, Mahak Jaiswal from Bachcha Ram Yadav Inter College in Prayagraj secured the first position in the Intermediate Board Exams with an impressive 97.20%. Her father runs a small tea stall in Kaushambi, and Mahak credits her success to the safe environment that allowed her parents to send her from their village Kaneti to study. She states that earlier, girls feared stepping out of their villages for education, but changing times have given them wings to fly.

Mafia Crackdown Opens New Horizons for Education

The Yogi government’s crackdown on mafia rule in Prayagraj involved demolishing illegal properties of notorious criminals and sending them behind bars, reaffirming the rule of law. This created an environment where education could once again thrive. Education experts acknowledge this shift. Shakti Dubey, who completed her 10th and 12th from SMC Ghoorpur, had the right support to make independent decisions without fear—an essential trait for success. Her principal, Ashish Ranjan, highlighted the importance of mental preparation and fear-free dreaming.

Mahak Jaiswal’s principal, Manorama Yadav, from a school in Bhulai Ka Pura village, echoed similar sentiments. She stated that even with limited resources, children now feel safe and disciplined, which helps their talents shine. Mahak, driven by a thirst for success and nurtured in a secure environment, overcame financial hardship to prove her capability. Together, Shakti and Mahak embody the spirit of the new Prayagraj—resilient, ambitious, and rising.