Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
- Son of a Tendupatta Collector, Ajay, Becomes Indian Forest Service Officer
- “ Ajay’s success is a victory of the unwavering confidence of Chhattisgarh’s forest-dependent families” – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: A young talent emerging from the forests of Chhattisgarh has brought pride to the state by securing a place in one of the country’s most prestigious civil services.
Ajay, the son of a tendupatta collector from Sambalpuri village in Raigarh district, has proved through his determination and perseverance that success depends not on resources, but on hard work, dedication, and the right guidance.
Ajay, who once spent his days collecting tendupatta and mahua in the forests of Raigarh, has now become an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
Despite facing difficult circumstances, he secured an impressive All India Rank of 91. The same forests that once provided a livelihood to his family will now become the area of his professional responsibility and service.
Ajay had also excelled academically during his school years. After scoring outstanding marks in Class 12, he earned admission to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur.
During his studies at NIT, he continued to receive scholarships for three years, which supported his educational journey. Shri Ajay said that his dreams were once modest, and he believed that his world was limited to his village. However, after entering NIT Raipur, his outlook changed completely. For the first time, he realised that he too could achieve something significant in life.
Ajay said the forest has always been an inseparable part of his life. It not only supported his family financially but also gave him direction and purpose. He said his deep connection with forests deepened further while working in Bastar, inspiring him to dedicate his life to forest conservation and public service.
From the Ground of Struggle to the Heights of Success
Ajay spent his childhood amid forests, helping his family collect forest produce and support agricultural work. Recalling those difficult years, he said that although his parents were not highly educated, they considered their children’s education as their greatest mission. During school holidays, Ajay would accompany his parents into the forests to collect tendupatta and mahua.
Even amid financial hardship, Ajay consistently displayed academic excellence. He secured 92.66 per cent in Class 10 and 91.40 per cent in Class 12, demonstrating remarkable determination and discipline at a young age.
Government Schemes Strengthened His Aspirations
Ajay’s long journey towards success was supported by the Chhattisgarh Government’s welfare-oriented initiatives, which provided both “financial security” and “continuous educational support.” The scholarship provided by the Minor Forest Produce Federation reduced his family’s financial burden for his school and college education. He also benefited from the State Government’s Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, which enabled him to focus fully on his studies and competitive examination preparation.
The Chhattisgarh government has consistently focused on “inclusive educational opportunities” for students from tribal and forest-based communities through various scholarship and welfare programmes.
“ Ajay’s success is a victory of the unwavering confidence of Chhattisgarh’s forest-dependent families” – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Ajay on his selection to the Indian Forest Service. He said that Ajay has not only brought honour to his parents but has also made the entire state proud.
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of great pride that a young man who once collected tendupatta and mahua in the forests will now take responsibility for protecting and conserving those very forests.
He stated that schemes such as the “Minor Forest Produce Federation Scholarship” and the “Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme” have helped talented youth like Ajay move forward with confidence, CM Sai added.
He further noted that Ajay’s achievement reflects how young people from rural and forest regions can secure positions in the country’s top services when given the right opportunities and institutional support. The state government has continued to strengthen welfare programmes focused on tribal development, education, and youth empowerment, Chief Minister remarked.
Forest Minister Expresses Pride, Calls Ajay a Symbol of Thousands of Dreams
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap personally congratulated Ajay over the phone and described his achievement as historic.
The Minister said that Ajay’s success represents the aspirations of thousands of forest-dependent families in Chhattisgarh who continue to dream big despite living in remote regions. He said the government’s welfare initiatives are aimed not only at providing economic assistance but also at creating an “empowered and self-reliant future” for the state’s youth, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap added.
A New Inspiration for the Youth
Today, Ajay has emerged as an inspiration for lakhs of young aspirants preparing for highly competitive examinations like the Indian Forest Service despite limited resources. His journey sends a strong message that with sincere hard work, determination, and supportive governance, even the youth from remote forest regions can reach the highest positions in the country.
Ajay’s story stands as a powerful example of “hope, perseverance, and equal opportunity” for the younger generation of Chhattisgarh. His achievement reflects the growing confidence among rural and forest communities that education and dedication can transform lives and open new paths of success. Minister Kedar Kashyap noted.
