From footpath to officer: Runita Pradhan's journey from poverty to success in Odisha administration

Against a backdrop of adversity and relentless perseverance, Runita Pradhan, daughter of a footpath bangle seller, has emerged as a beacon of hope and determination for marginalized communities in Odisha.

Her journey from selling bangles alongside her parents to becoming an officer in the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) speaks volumes of resilience, faith, and unyielding resolve.

Runita, who ranked 530th in the OAS exams on her first attempt, secured one of the 683 positions out of nearly 700,000 applicants.

Remarkably, she achieved this milestone without attending coaching classes, relying instead on her faith and hard work. The Odisha Public Service Commission released the results on October 19, recognizing 258 women among the successful candidates.

"I believe it is the Lord Jesus who has blessed me with this success," Runita said, reflecting on her achievement. "My parents, daily wage workers, inspired me to work hard and dream big despite our humble beginnings. My father always reminded me that 'failure is the pillar of success.'"

Runita’s journey has not been without its struggles. She recalls the trauma of anti-Christian violence in 2008, which forced her parents into a relief camp in Daringbadi while she stayed with her sister in Bhubaneswar.

"It was the Lord who stood by us during that time of persecution," she shares, underscoring the family's deep faith in God through trials.

Her father, Bisikesan Pradhan, and her mother, Santoshini Pradhan, have spent years selling bangles on the streets to support their family.

"We spent our days on the footpath, urging passersby to buy bangles to support our daughters' education. Yet, my children never complained about our condition; instead, they accepted it gracefully," says Bisikesan with pride. "Runita has lifted me from the footpath to a place of respect and honor."

For Santoshini, who is a devotee of Our Lady of Lourdes, Runita's success is nothing short of a divine answer to prayer. "As a victim of child marriage myself, I wanted a different life for my children.

When Runita was 13, we were compelled to arrange her marriage due to financial constraints. However, seeing her determination to study, we canceled the arrangement and worked tirelessly to ensure her education. My daughter has proven that with faith, hard work, and sacrifice, anything is possible."

Throughout her academic journey, Runita consistently excelled. She graduated from Ramadevi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, with top honors and later completed her Master’s in Political Science at Utkal University, where she was a gold medalist.

Now pursuing her Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Science, Runita continues to set her sights on further academic and professional achievements, with plans to prepare for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Father Bimal Kumar Nayak, Runita’s parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, attests to her deep-rooted humility and commitment to her faith. "Runita’s family is regular in their devotion, and she is an example of how prayer and dedication can yield profound results. She stands as a model for young people, showing them that it is possible to rise above hardships."

The entire village of Brahasalka, where Runita was raised, celebrates her achievement as a collective victory. "Runita has brought honor to our village and given us hope to rise beyond our limitations," says Susama Pradhan, a neighbor.

Local government leaders, including Kandhamal Collector Amrit Ruturaj, IAS, and Odisha Legislative Assembly member Uma Charan Mallick, have also recognized Runita’s achievement, congratulating her and honoring her resilience.

Currently, Runita is in Delhi, gathering study materials as she prepares for the IAS exams, eager to continue serving her community and inspire others along the way.

The Odisha government will assign her OAS posting in two months, marking the next chapter of her remarkable journey.

Runita Pradhan’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of a young woman who transformed adversity into opportunity, lighting a path for others in Odisha and beyond.