Cook’s Son Cracks Indian Statistical Service Exam In Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: Pravat Das from Dhenkanal district is a proud man today. The son of a poor cook from Talaberana village in Parjang block, Pravat has cracked the Indian Statistical Services (ISS)-2020 exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Pravat’s achievement has also caught the attention of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

“I congratulate all the aspirants who have cracked IES and ISS-2020. I congratulate Pravat Das of Odisha, who has cracked the ISS. Pravat’s success will definitely inspire the youth of Odisha,” the minister tweeted.

Pravat is truly an inspiration. He was born into a poor family of five on January 2, 1991. His family comprised his father, Prafulla Das, mother and two other siblings. His elder brother works as a labourer in a private company at Kantabania.

Speaking about his childhood struggles, Pravat told a vernacular daily: “My father worked as a cook at different hostels in Talcher’s Southbalanda area. His income could not meet the daily needs of our family. Seeing his hardship, I had the aim to help my father financially since childhood.”

Pravat went on to complete his Class 10 from Sanda High School and then did his Plus-II from Sanda College in Parjang.

He then completed his post-graduation, M Phil and PhD in Statistics from Utkal University.

He has been working as a lecturer at Boudh Government College since December 4, 2019.

Pravat said he never got depressed after failures, rather they made him stronger to get success.

“I had got second division in Class 10 and third division in Plus-II. I was very worried for my poor performance in these two important exams. Some of my near and dear ones had also criticized me. However, to fulfil my aim, I worked hard and achieved success,” he signed off.