Cuttack: Ladki Ko Padhaoge…Kya Karegi…Collector Banegi Kya. These were the demoralising words of an unknown person that changed the perspective and brought strong determination in Sujata Rout Karthikeyan to pursue her dream career and opt for the Civil Services. These were the words that tried to stifle the budding talent in Sujata Rout Karthikeyan during her younger days when she choose to take up Arts for her higher studies. But the encouragement from her father and the resolve to become an IAS officer made her realize her dreams. What she is today is a story of struggles and willpower.
Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, Commissioner-Cum-Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti, and Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, who is credited for the tremendous success of the Mission Shakti movement in Odisha, opened up herself about her life struggles and how she took it as a challenge to become what she is today. Speaking at the Foundation Day of the Ravenshaw Girls School in Cuttack, Sujata inspired the students with her story of determination and its rewards.
Speaking at the program, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan said that her father was studying in the Baluria High School in Kendrapada and his was a normal middle class family. He studied with many difficulties and struggles. He studied at the Ravenshaw College after his schooling in Kendrapada and then at the SCB Medical College. Sujata recalled her childhood days and said that she first heard about Ravenshaw from her father.
When I was studying in the 10th Class, I told my father that I will study Arts. My family was shocked hearing this, but my father supported me and encouraged a lot. After I completed my 12th, I requested my father to let me go to Delhi for higher studies. He agreed and in 1993, we went to Delhi for College Admission. There, an unknown person met my father. Without knowing about my presence there, he asked him about the purpose of the visit to Delhi – Kyun Aye Ho. My father responded by saying that my daughter wants to study Arts in the College and she will take admission. To this, that gentleman said that – Are Ladki Ko Padhaoge…Kya Karegi…Collector Banegi Kya. Without any thinking, my father said Haan…Ban Bhi Sakti Hai.
These were the words that remained forever with Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Pandian and helped her to pursue her dream to become a Civil Servant. She told the students that everything is possible and never think that being a girl, you cannot achieve your dreams. You are all angels in your lives and always hope that you can do anything. All are there to support you.