Dhenkanal: The popular proverb, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” has once again been proven to be true, a daily wager’s son in Dhenkanal district has cleared the Odisha Civil Services Examination through sheer hard work and determination undeterred by his impoverished background.
Muna Sethi, a native of Katabahal village in Patarpada panchayat under Parjang block of Dhenkanal district has secured 76th rank by cracking the Odisha Civil Services Exam-2020, the result of which was declared on Friday.
Ever since news broke of Muna clearing the examination, his village Katabahal is in a state of joy.
Muna is the youngest son of Rabindra Sethi and Basanti Sethi. While Rabindra works as a daily labourer, Basanti washed the clothes of villagers to add to the family’s income.
Muna was a bright student, after studying up to Class V in his village school he studied up to Class XII at the Navodaya Vidyalaya, Saranga and then did his graduation in Commerce from Ravenshaw University.
He had joined Utkal University for post-graduation which he had to discontinue mid-way due to health problems.
“I had put in hard work. I don’t know what is going to happen in future. I hope everything will be alright. I studied in our village school up to Class V. Then I studied in Saranga Navodaya Vidyalaya up to Class XII. I did my graduation from Ravenshaw University. I was doing my post-graduation in Utkal University which I left halfway due to health issues,” said Muna speaking to reporters.
He told that he has been staying in his village since 2016 and has been giving private tuition for the last one and a half years to earn a few bucks to add to the family’s income.
“I prepared on my own, this was my fourth attempt. In the first attempt, I couldn’t clear the Prelims and in the second and third attempts, I could not clear the Mains, this time I secured 76th rank. My parents have always supported me. So have some of my friends who have always stood by me in the thick and thin of my life. They have supported me emotionally, psychologically and even financially,” he stated.
Muna’s mother Basanti could not hold back her tears-her tears of joy at her son’s success.
“I am very happy. He used to work hard day and night. I used to weep in silence for him watching his condition. I thank God for his success,” said Basanti tears rolling down her eyes.
“Our village is in a state of joy ever since we got the news yesterday. Why only me? Our village, the panchayat, and the entire district is happy today. He worked very hard. He comes from a very poor family. His father works as a daily labourer to meet the family’s needs. This house in which we are standing has been built by his parents under Indira Awas Scheme. Doors and windows are yet to be affixed,” said Jaladhar Pradhan, a villager of Katabahal.
