In a heartwarming story of resilience and determination, a family from Odisha’s Koraput district has become an inspiration across the state after all three children of a block office peon successfully cleared the Odisha Civil Services Examination and became Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers.
Uma Maheshwari Hikoka, who works as a peon at the Jeypore block office, is now being celebrated for turning years of hardship into an extraordinary success story. Her elder son, Swadhin Hikoka, recently secured the 146th rank in the Odisha Civil Services Examination, completing a remarkable family achievement.
Earlier, Uma’s daughter cleared the OAS examination in 2021, while her younger son Sangram succeeded last year. With Swadhin’s success this year, all three siblings from the same family have now become OAS officers.
“I struggled a lot after my husband passed away in 2012. But my children always listened to me and stayed focused on their studies. Today, I feel proud and blessed,” she said.
After losing her husband, Uma continued working at the Jeypore block office while single-handedly raising her children under difficult financial conditions. Despite limited resources, the siblings remained committed to education and their dream of serving society.
Swadhin revealed that his elder sister’s success in 2021 motivated both brothers to prepare for civil services.
“Our father was no longer with us, so we wanted to do something meaningful for our mother. After our sister cleared the OAS exam, both of us decided to follow the same path,” he said.
Although Swadhin could not clear the examination last year, he continued preparing with determination and finally achieved success this year.
After graduating from BJB College, Swadhin largely prepared through self-study without professional coaching. Family members said all three siblings stayed disciplined and motivated despite financial struggles.
Today, the elder daughter serves as an Additional Labour Officer, while younger son Sangram works as a District Tourism Officer.
The achievement has become a proud moment for the entire Koraput district. Jeypore BDO Shakti Mohapatra praised the family’s dedication and hard work.
