Triumph Over Adversity: Visually Impaired Odia Teacher Secures 300th Rank in Odisha Civil Services Exam

Mahesh Panda, a 32-year-old visually impaired educator from Jajpur district, has achieved remarkable success by clearing the prestigious Odisha Civil Services examination with a rank of 300 in his third attempt.

Hailing from Bada Biruhan village in Korei block, Panda has been working as an Odia language instructor at Adarsha Vidyalaya in Kuleilo, Cuttack district's Athagarh area since 2016.

Born with visual impairment, Panda grew up in a humble household as the youngest of five siblings. His father supported the entire family of seven through agricultural work.

"Despite seeking treatment at numerous hospitals, doctors were unable to restore his vision. Eventually, we accepted it as destiny," shared his father Laxmi Narayan.

Panda's educational journey began at the School for the Blind in Nuapada, where he completed his matriculation in 2009. He subsequently earned his bachelor's degree from Ravenshaw University, pursued a B.Ed from the Central University in Koraput, and completed his master's degree in Odia from Utkal University.

Financial challenges after his schooling were overcome with assistance from two local benefactors, supplemented by support from Yuga Nirman Vidya Parishad and Gayatri Mission in Cuttack, who funded his higher education.

Discussing how he balanced teaching responsibilities with civil services preparation, Panda explained, "I dedicated daytime to teaching my students and nights to personal study. With technological advancements, learning has become significantly more accessible for visually challenged individuals." Overjoyed with his achievement, Panda attributed his success to the unwavering support of his family and friends.

"I intend to devote my life to the welfare of the state," he affirmed.

The results of the Odisha Civil Services examination 2023 were announced on Friday, with 398 candidates qualifying.