UPSC Second Ranker Animesh Pradhan Mourns Mother's Loss Amid Triumph

Animesh Pradhan, a 24-year-old from Odisha's Talcher town, has secured the second rank in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2023. However, his remarkable achievement is overshadowed by a profound personal loss, as his mother succumbed to cancer just a month before the interview process.

Pradhan, who graduated in Computer Science Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, credits his success to hard work and perseverance. Despite the immense grief of losing his mom to cancer, he continued his preparation and achieved this feat on his maiden attempt.

In an interview, Pradhan emphasized the crucial role his family played in his journey, particularly his late mother, who had been his biggest support system. "I wanted to clear the exams as soon as possible to make my mother proud," he said. Tragically, Pradhan had also lost his father, Prabhakar Pradhan, a retired lecturer, in 2015.

Pradhan prepared for the UPSC exam on his own, without attending any coaching classes, dedicating 5-6 hours daily to his studies. He chose Sociology as his optional subject, driven by his curiosity about society and social issues. Pradhan mentioned 'parliamentary debating', 'media advocacy and journalism', and 'free-style dancing' as his hobbies in the UPSC application.

Why this matters: Animesh Pradhan's achievement is significant as he is the second ranker from Odisha in the last 20 years, after Roopa Mishra who topped the exam in 2003. His success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, highlighting the importance of hard work, determination, and family support in the face of adversity.

As an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pradhan aspires to work for the betterment of his home state of Odisha, especially those from marginalized and backward communities. He plans to focus on improving education and healthcare at the grassroots level. Currently employed with the Indian Oil Corporation in Delhi, Pradhan is determined to serve his home state and make a positive impact on society.

Key Takeaways

• Animesh Pradhan, 24, secured 2nd rank in UPSC 2023 exam in Odisha.
• His mother passed away a month before the interview process.
• Pradhan prepared on his own without coaching, choosing Sociology as optional.
• He is the 2nd ranker from Odisha in the last 20 years after Roopa Mishra.
• Pradhan aims to work for the betterment of Odisha, especially marginalized communities.