Manjulata Panda – First blind woman who gets PhD in Odisha

Sambalpur: Anyone can achieve success through hard labour and strong will power despite adversities in life. Manjulata Panda has become an instance for everyone for her deliberate efforts to attain something big. She was awarded the PhD degree in her academic career even if she is unable to see the physical world.

Manjulata Panda, a visually impaired woman, is currently posted as a lecturer of Political Science in Hirakud College. She earned her PhD in her doctoral thesis, which was related to blind persons in government and private sectors, guided by Asha Hansa and Smita Nayak in 2016.

With her achievement, it is now proved that no physical disabilities could pose as hindrance before dedication, hard labour and determination.

Born to Hirakud Rerolling Assistant Manager Sanat Panda and mother Kamala Panda, Majulata had lost her vision since her birth. However, her parents had never neglected her in providing better education. She was studying in a blind school.

The 38-year old Majulata struggled a lot and fought both in academics and job career. She had qualified in the written examination of state civil services conducted by the OPSC in 2013. Although, she was the only deserving candidate in reserved category for one post, she was deprived to get the job as the post was made unreserved subsequently. Challenging the OPSC decision, she moved the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), which is yet to pronounce its judgment in the case.