Bhubaneswar: In a resplendent ode to tenacity and scholarly excellence, SAI International School hosted a grand felicitation ceremony for its distinguished alumna, Ritika Rath, who secured an extraordinary All India Rank 48 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, emerging as Odisha’s foremost achiever.
The event, held at the illustrious Indraprastha Auditorium, was presided over by Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, who lauded Ritika’s accomplishment as a “beacon of inspiration for aspiring minds.”
Ritika, whose journey from SAI classrooms to civil service excellence has captivated the nation, regaled the audience with poignant reflections on her path to success. “Perseverance is the quiet engine of achievement,” she remarked during her address, recounting how the school’s ethos, ingrained by its revered founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo—affectionately termed Chairman Sir by generations of students—shaped her resolve. “Chairman Sir’s assemblies were not mere gatherings; they were masterclasses in character-building. He taught us that success is not a sprint but a marathon, where patience and self-belief are your greatest allies,” she shared during an exclusive SAITV podcast recorded post-felicitation at SAI International School.
The podcast delved into nuanced dimensions of her journey. When probed about protecting her identity beyond the IAS label, Ritika reflected, “The uniform is a responsibility, not a persona. I still write poetry, debate absurd philosophies, and cherish my quirks—they’re my anchors.” On privilege in the UPSC ecosystem, she acknowledged, “My corporate job afforded me financial safety nets many lack. The system must democratize access—merit thrives when opportunity isn’t a privilege.” Addressing sacrifices, she admitted, “Yes, I traded carefree evenings for libraries, but regret? None. SAI taught me that ambition, when rooted in purpose, isn’t a loss but a choice.”
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, echoing this sentiment, later remarked, “True education isn’t about erasing one’s essence, but empowering it to shine through every role life offers.” Ritika’s candor underscored how SAI’s legacyof nurturing not just scholars, but grounded visionaries—continues to shape futures.
In her discourse, Ritika wove a compelling narrative on embracing one’s unique timeline. “Much like the seasons, each journey unfolds at its own pace. Comparison is the thief of joy—focus on your path, and the dots will connect,” she advised, urging students to cultivate resilience over rivalry. Her words resonated deeply, offering a balm to the pressures of competitive pursuits.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, in her keynote, extolled Ritika’s triumph as a “testament to the transformative power of holistic education.” She added, “At SAI, we nurture not just intellect, but the fortitude to thrive amid life’s ebbs and flows. Ritika embodies our belief that true success lies in steadfastness, not speed.”
The ceremony culminated in a vibrant interaction where Ritika fielded questions from starry-eyed SAIoneers, her responses laced with humility and hard-earned wisdom. As the event trended across social media with hashtags #SAIoneerForLife and #LeadershipInAction, it was evident that Ritika’s legacy will endure as a lodestar for future generations.
“Education is the alchemy that turns dreams into destiny,” remarked Dr. Sahoo, encapsulating the evening’s spirit—a celebration of grit, guidance, and the glory of walking one’s own path.
In that electrifying moment as Ritika Rath, our own SAIoneer-turned-civil servant, stood adorned with accolades, her triumph transcended personal glory—it became a beacon of possibility. To witness a peer who once navigated these very corridors now donning the mantle of an IAS officer ignited a quiet revolution in young hearts: ‘If she could, why not I?’ Her journey, etched in the same classrooms they occupy today, transformed the auditorium into a crucible of dreams—proving that extraordinary destinies are forged from ordinary beginnings.
