From Personal Tragedy to National Service: Hazaribag's Ranjana Kumari Joins BSF
Ranjana Kumari has transformed profound personal loss into a remarkable story of determination and service to the nation. The twenty-two-year-old from Amanari village in Hazaribag's Tatijharia block recently secured selection as a constable in the Border Security Force. She will soon begin her duties in the Rajasthan sector along the India-Pakistan border near Jaisalmer.
A Childhood Shattered by Violence
Ranjana's journey began with unimaginable tragedy. She was just nine years old when her father, Manoj Kumar Kushwaha, met a violent end. Manoj worked as a manager at Hotel Mahajan Palace in Hazaribag city. On January 1, 2013, someone brutally murdered him.
Police discovered his body in room number 102 of the hotel the following day. Investigators found the room covered in blood. They also recovered a blood-stained shovel near the scene. Medical examination confirmed that attackers had struck Manoj on the head with the shovel, causing immediate death.
The investigation revealed disturbing attempts to conceal evidence. Unknown persons had torn several pages from the hotel's guest entry register. These pages would have shown who visited the hotel on the day of the murder. Police eventually arrested two suspects in connection with the crime. However, the motive behind the killing remains completely unknown to this day.
A Mother's Struggle and a Daughter's Resolve
The murder left Ranjana's family in desperate circumstances. Her mother, Nutan Devi, suddenly became the sole provider for three young daughters. Nutan worked as an anganwadi helper, earning only a modest income. She faced the enormous challenge of raising her children alone.
Ranjana refused to let hardship determine her future. She demonstrated extraordinary initiative while pursuing her education. To support her studies, she began tutoring approximately forty children in her village. This effort allowed her to continue her academic journey without financial burden.
Her academic performance remained consistently excellent. Ranjana completed her schooling in Hazaribag before enrolling at Vishnugarh Degree College. There, she pursued a degree in history while maintaining her tutoring commitments.
The Path to the Border Security Force
Ranjana's perseverance eventually led to a life-changing opportunity. She decided to attempt the SSC-conducted BSF General Duty recruitment examination. The young woman traveled to Ranchi to take the test. Her hard work paid off when she received news of her successful selection.
The achievement marked only the beginning of another challenging phase. Ranjana underwent one full year of rigorous training in Siliguri, West Bengal. The demanding program tested her physical endurance and mental fortitude. She completed all requirements successfully.
Last week, Ranjana participated in her passing-out parade ceremony. The event celebrated her official induction into the Border Security Force. Family members attended with immense pride, witnessing the culmination of her extraordinary journey.
Family Support and Future Aspirations
Ranjana credits her family for providing crucial support throughout her difficult journey. Her elder sister, Sanjana Kumari, married software engineer Prashant Ranjan, who works in Vishakhapatnam. Her younger sister, Anjali Kumari, currently pursues graduation studies in Hazaribag.
Brother-in-law Prashant Ranjan expressed the family's collective emotions. "She worked extremely hard to achieve this goal," he stated. "We all attended the passing-out parade in Siliguri. We felt tremendous pride while saluting her determination and accomplishments."
Ranjana now prepares for her first official posting with the BSF. She reflects on the symbolic meaning of her uniform. "When I first wore this uniform, I immediately remembered my father," she shared. "I was only nine when he left us forever. This uniform represents my mother's incredible struggle and sacrifice."
The new constable dedicates her achievement to all girls growing up in challenging circumstances. She specifically acknowledges support from her sisters, extended family, and maternal relatives. Their constant encouragement helped her overcome numerous obstacles.
Ranjana Kumari's story demonstrates how resilience can transform tragedy into service. Her journey from a village in Hazaribag to the India-Pakistan border inspires everyone who hears it.
