Jindal Foundation felicitates 13 OPSC achievers, showcases success of UTKARSH coaching initiative

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANGUL, DECEMBER 11, 2025

Thirteen successful candidates of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) 2025 examination were felicitated on Thursday by Jindal Steel Angul Location Head and Executive Director (I/c) Pankaj Malhan, marking a proud moment for the Jindal Foundation’s flagship coaching initiative, UTKARSH – Train the Scholars. The achievers, all beneficiaries of the Foundation’s free, high-quality civil services coaching program, were celebrated for their dedication and outstanding performance.

Congratulating the newly selected officers, Malhan highlighted the transformative role they are poised to play in Odisha’s development. “I wish you all the very best in your future professional endeavors. I am confident that your services will benefit the people of Odisha. I also hope you will continue to bridge the gap between government systems and public expectations through your skill and judgment,” he said, urging them to uphold integrity and public service in their administrative careers.

The achievers felicitated included Mita Sahoo (Rank 64), Balaram Sahu (Rank 140), Bishwajit Behera (Rank 141), Anil Kumar Sahu (Rank 150), Somit Kumar Seth (Rank 183), Atal Dash (Rank 201), Rajendra Kumar Ojha (Rank 209), Deba Chandan Rout (Rank 221), Saswat Soumyakant (Rank 235), Jaganath Sha (Rank 243), Mitarani Barik (Rank 273), Bishal Ranjan Bhoi (Rank 346), and Gyanendra Kumar Sahu (Rank 387). Each of them credited the UTKARSH program for providing a strong academic foundation, mentorship and motivation that played a pivotal role in their success.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, the achievers noted that the program had enabled them to pursue their civil service aspirations without financial burden, making the competitive journey significantly more accessible.

The event was also attended by Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, Head of CSR, Jindal Foundation, along with senior officials who applauded the candidates’ perseverance and the continued impact of UTKARSH.

Launched in 2021–22, the UTKARSH initiative has emerged as one of Odisha’s most impactful education support programs, offering free coaching to over 500 aspirants every year. More than 2,000 students have benefitted from the initiative so far, with over 150 candidates clearing various government examinations, including the prestigious OPSC OAS. In the current year alone, 13 students from the program cleared the OPSC examination, while over 50 qualified specifically in OAS.

Beyond UTKARSH, the Jindal Foundation continues to champion education through numerous initiatives such as After School Learning, YASHASVI, O.P. Jindal Star & Jewel Scholarship, Jindal Asha and Savitri Jindal DAV High School, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and empowering youth across Odisha.