Meet Odisha girl who sells tea to become IAS officer

The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is considered as one of the most prestigious and coveted examinations in the country. Besides, it is also one of the toughest tests to crack. That’s why only a few dare to appear for the examination and make it their reality. Meet 19-year-old student Subhalakhmi Parida who is determined to become an IAS officer and to make her dream come true she runs an organic tea stall in Dhenkanal district.

She has opened a tea kiosk at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the headquarters to save money for her IAS preparation after graduation. Simultaneously, she supports her financially distressed family. In a candid conversation with OTV, Subhalakhmi talks about her future plans.

Daughter of a daily labourer, Subhalakhmi’s story will, unbeatably, inspires financially backward students to dream big.  At a time when girls of her age spend time on social media and parties, Subhalakhmi runs a tea stall to make her dream come true.

Her father's daily income is Rs 250 which is not enough for running a family and fulfilling everyone’s needs at home. Her mother is a diabetic. Thus, she decided to do something so that she could provide financial support to her family and provides medicine to her ailing mother on time.

Her friend said, “Her dream is to crack UPSC examination and become an IAS officer after graduation. He approached me saying she does not want to become a burden for her family and she would like to do something so that she could fund her own education and become a helping hand to her father. I urged the coal market committee to allow her open a tea stall. The committee said yes to her.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Subhalakhmi said, "My father is a daily wage earner. My mother is a homemaker. We are three siblings. Currently, I am pursuing Plus III 1st year. Following my competition of graduation, I dream to become an IAS. I would like to achieve my goal by working hard as I believe there is no shortcut to success except hard work and strong willpower. I want nothing more in the world than to make my dream come true through hard work,” said Subhalakhmi who resides in Siminai village under Udagaon village. 

 A customer said, "I am really moved by her dedication. When girls of her age devote their time to looking attractive and spend most of their time on social media, she is indeed an inspiration."