Bhubaneswar: Two young men. Two vastly different struggles. One common message: No dream is too big when backed by sincerity, focus, and consistent effort. In an era where competitive exams are often seen as the domain of the privileged, a fisherman’s son and a visually-impaired youth have shown that talent and hard work can triumph over circumstances. Kanhu Charan Behera of Ganjam and Krushna Chandra Hembram of Keonjhar have cleared the prestigious Odisha Civil Services Examination with ranks 56 and 185 respectively.
Their stories are now travelling from fishing hamlets in Ganjam to tribal hamlets in Keonjhar, igniting fresh hope in the hearts of countless young boys and girls who dare to dream despite all odds.
Kanhu Charan Behera, hailing from the humble fishing community of Sorada in Ganjam district, has become a beacon of hope for thousands of students from backward and fishing families. Born into a home where his father still earns his livelihood by casting nets in the rivers and seas, Kanhu’s journey was never easy. Limited resources, financial hardships, and societal barriers could have easily dimmed his dreams. Yet, his unwavering willpower and relentless dedication helped him crack one of the toughest examinations in the state. His success has lit up not just his own family but the entire Sorada region. Young aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds are now daring to believe that the civil services are not beyond their reach. As many put it, “If Kanhu can do it, so can we.”
“It was my fourth attempt. Cracking the Civil Services Examination demands unwavering patience and perseverance. I couldn’t succeed in my first three attempts, but I refused to give up. To all civil service aspirants, my message is simple — never give up. No matter how many times you fail, keep going. Parents too have a tremendous role to play. They should never discourage their children, regardless of the circumstances. A parent’s trust and belief can become the strongest pillar of a child’s success. I have been giving free tuitions to students in my locality. Teaching them not only helps me stay connected with my studies but also gives me joy. Honestly, I never dreamt of securing the 56th rank. I was only hoping to get a rank within the top 200.”
Equally inspiring is the story of Krushna Chandra Hembram, a visually impaired tribal youth from Panchugochhia village under Ghasipura block in Keonjhar district, who secured the 185th rank.
Orphaned at a young age after losing both parents, Krushna faced darkness both literally and figuratively. But his indomitable spirit turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. He completed his matriculation from Ekalavya Model Residential School at Rampilo in Jajpur, passed his higher secondary from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Hadgarh in Keonjhar, and earned an Integrated B.Ed degree from the Regional Institute of Education in Bhubaneswar.
Financial constraints threatened to end his studies after Class 12, but support from the district administration helped him continue. Later, while working as a teacher at an Ekalavya Model Residential School in Sundargarh, Krushna balanced teaching children by day and burning the midnight oil for OCS preparation.
Speaking after his success, Krushna credited his achievement to God, his teachers, family, and villagers. With quiet determination, he has already set his eyes on the bigger goal — the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination for Indian Administrative Service.
