Son of a Tendupatta Collector, Shri Ajay, Becomes Indian Forest Service Officer
“Shri Ajay’s success is a victory of the unwavering confidence of Chhattisgarh’s forest-dependent families” – Chief Minister Shri 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. Shri 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.
Shri 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.
Shri 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.
Shri 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
Shri 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, Shri Ajay would accompany his parents into the forests to collect tendupatta and mahua.
Even amid financial hardship, Shri 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
Shri 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.
“Shri Ajay’s success is a victory of the unwavering confidence of Chhattisgarh’s forest-dependent families” – Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Shri Ajay on his selection to the Indian Forest Service. He said that Shri Ajay has not only brought honour to his parents but has also made the entire state proud.
