In an inspiring tale of determination and hard work, 24-year-old Kanhei Sabar from Perpang village in Rayagada district has secured the 132nd rank in the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination. Son of Ekakshar Sabar, a mason by profession, Kanhei's achievement has brought pride not only to his family but also to the entire Padmapur region. His success is being celebrated as a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and hope.
Despite facing financial hardships, Kanhei's parents ensured that their son never felt deprived when it came to education. Reflecting on his journey, Kanhei said, "My parents struggled a lot for my education, but they never allowed me to feel the burden of financial hardship. Whatever I have achieved today is because of their support and blessings." He dreamt of becoming an administrative officer during his graduation days and managed to crack the OAS examination in his very first attempt.
Other Success Stories from Odisha
Kanhu Charan Behera (27), son of fisherman Kali Charan from Sorada, clinched the 56th rank in the general category after three failed attempts. His father wanted him to settle for any job and start earning for the family. However, Behera coached high school students in his small house, and the income supported his OCS preparation. "Coaching students helped him study better and prepare for competitive exams," he said. He focused solely on self-study using the internet and social media. "Determination and hard work along with blessings of parents helped him crack the exam," he added.
T Narasingha Patro (27) of Gosaninuagaon, son of a farmer, bagged the 24th rank in the exam after three attempts. "I did not give up hope," said Patro, who works as a teacher in a government high school at Panchama. Khageswar Behera (25), son of a primary school teacher in Gourangapatna near Rambha, cleared the exam in his second attempt by securing the 98th rank.
Itishree Jena of Aska was overwhelmed to rank 10th in the exam. "It's a dream that came to me," said Itishree, who cracked the state's toughest exam in her second attempt. Without enrolling in any coaching institute, she prepared through the internet and social media. "Before the main exam was held in January-February, my father, a small businessman, was hospitalized," she recalled.
Lakshya Niketan's Role in Success
Four candidates groomed by the Berhampur district administration's Lakshya Niketan through mock interviews cracked the prestigious exam. "The candidates who cleared the exam are T Narasingha Patro (Rank 24), Khageswar Behera (Rank 98), Sunil Kumar Das (Rank 74), and Madhusudan Behera (Rank 125)," said Sunil Sai Debasish, nodal officer of Lakshya Niketan.
Before their personality test, held from May 14 to 20, eight candidates, including two in-house students (Patro and Khageswar), appeared in the mock interview. Three IAS officers, an IPS officer, and two senior OAS officers guided them on May 13 on how to face the interview. "We are happy that four of them cleared the exam," said Ganjam collector Keerthi Vassan V. Among the jury members were SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M, Berhampur Municipal Corporation commissioner A Sasya Reddy, Berhampur sub-collector Avinash Kumar, and others.
