How does a village student, living with uncertainty about his next meal or home, who failed his boards, go on to a career in the civil services? With integrity, inventiveness, and a never-say-die spirit.

In IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s case, there was also the promise of love.

Twelfth Fail is his extraordinary story, the gripping narrative of a man who put his heart and soul into making the impossible possible.

Review
‘This book will inspire millions of youths to fulfil their dreams.’ Sachin Tendulkar, legendary cricketer

‘Characters in this novel sometimes remind me of characters in the film 3 Idiots.’ Rajkumar Hirani, Bollywood filmmaker

‘An inspirational story.’ Rajat Sharma, editor-in-chief and chairman, India TV

‘Even if the most depressed person goes through this novel, she will feel reinvigorated.’ Anand Kumar, mathematician and founder, Super 30

About the Author
Anurag Pathak is an Indore–based writer. He has previously published a collection of stories titled WhatsApp Par Kranti (Antika, 2016). Born in Gwalior on 5 August 1976, he holds a PhD in Hindi literature.

Gautam Choubey teaches English at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi. His English translation of Pandey Kapil’s celebrated historical-fiction Phoolsunghi (Penguin, 2020) is the first ever translation of a Bhojpuri novel. He has also translated Andre Beitelle’s Democracy and Its Institutions (OUP) in Hindi.

Lalit Kumar teaches English at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi. His English translation of Harimohan Jha’s classic Maithili novel Kanyadan will be published soon by Harper Perennial.