🌟 Rajkishore Panda: Rising Beyond Challenges

Niyatee Foundation | SSEPD | NCSCDA, Bhubaneswar

When determination is stronger than circumstances, dreams find a way. At just 24, Rajkishore Panda from Bhandari Pokhori, Bhadrak, has turned adversity into achievement. Born into a modest farming family, with his father, Madhusudan Panda, as the sole earning member and a bank loan burdening the household, Rajkishore carried not only his own aspirations but also the responsibility of supporting his younger brother's dream of becoming an engineer.

After completing his Intermediate education in 2019 from Maa Tarini Higher Secondary School, Panikoili, Rajkishore knew that financial constraints could no longer be ignored. Despite being a person with disability, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

His turning point came when he enrolled in the Pre-Recruitment Training (PRT) Programme implemented by Niyatee Foundation with the support of the SSEPD Department at the NCSCDA campus, Bhubaneswar. During six months of intensive training, he developed competencies in government job preparation, life skills, soft skills, and basic computer applications. His discipline, perseverance, and eagerness to learn distinguished him throughout the programme.

Today, Rajkishore is employed as a Site Assistant Supervisor with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), earning a monthly in-hand salary of ₹13,060. His employment has strengthened his family's financial security, enabled them to work towards repaying their loan, and brought his brother's educational aspirations closer to reality.

Rajkishore's journey is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, guidance, and determination, barriers can become stepping stones. His success reflects the life-changing impact of inclusive skill development and continues to inspire many other youth with disabilities to pursue their ambitions with confidence.