In the heart of Assam’s Barak Valley, a story of grit, determination, and triumph has emerged, capturing the spirit of resilience that defines the human will to succeed against all odds. Diksha Sarkar, a young woman from Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj), has secured the 8th rank in the prestigious Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2023, announced on December 5, 2024. Raised by her single mother, an Anganwadi worker, Diksha’s journey from a modest two-room rental home to the ranks of Assam’s civil services is nothing short of inspiring, breaking stereotypes and igniting hope for countless others.
A Childhood Marked by Challenges
Diksha’s story begins in Sribhumi, where she was born into a family that hoped for a male heir. When her birth was met with rejection from her father’s family, who refused to visit the hospital, her mother, Baby Sarkar, made a courageous decision. Defying patriarchal norms, she left her husband and in-laws with her 1.5-month-old daughter, choosing to raise Diksha single-handedly in a modest rental home near the Bangladesh border. “My father’s family wanted a boy. When I was born, none of them came to see me,” Diksha recalls. “My mother went to my maternal grandfather’s home, and when they still rejected us, she decided to walk out and do everything to groom and educate me.”
Baby Sarkar, an Anganwadi worker with a modest income, faced immense societal pressure but remained steadfast in her resolve to provide Diksha with a better future. Unable to secure loans due to her financial constraints, she relied on a Rs 3 lakh loan from her elder sister to fund Diksha’s education and coaching. This unwavering support, coupled with Diksha’s determination, laid the foundation for her remarkable success.
Academic Brilliance Amid Adversity
Diksha’s academic journey is a testament to her resilience. Despite qualifying for prestigious institutions like Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), financial constraints prevented her from pursuing these opportunities. Undeterred, she completed her BSc in Botany from Pragjyotish College in 2022, earning the best graduate award and securing third rank with first-class honors in Botany (Major) at Gauhati University.
Her aspirations, however, extended beyond academics. Inspired to serve her home state and care for her mother, Diksha set her sights on the APSC examination. She moved to Guwahati for civil services coaching, initially preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam before focusing on the state-level APSC. Her hard work paid off when she secured the 8th rank in the APSC CCE 2023, a feat that placed her among the top performers, with seven of the top ten ranks in the Assam Civil Service (ACS) category held by women.
Reflecting on her achievement, Diksha shared, “I spent my entire childhood in Sribhumi with my mother. Caring for her has always been my top priority, and I am happy to serve my home state.” Her success is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of empowerment, proving that women can excel in competitive fields traditionally dominated by societal expectations.
A Mother’s Sacrifice, A Daughter’s Triumph
Baby Sarkar’s sacrifices form the cornerstone of Diksha’s success. “I am so proud of my daughter for her incredible accomplishments. She has brought so much joy and pride to our Sribhumi district with her hard work and dedication,” Baby said, her voice brimming with emotion. Her decision to raise Diksha alone in a society that often stigmatizes single mothers was a bold act of defiance against patriarchal norms. This courage, coupled with Diksha’s relentless pursuit of her goals, has inspired many in Assam and beyond.
The news of Diksha’s success reached her father’s family, prompting her paternal uncle to reach out with regret for past actions. However, Baby Sarkar remained unresponsive, choosing to focus on her daughter’s achievements rather than revisiting old wounds.
A Role Model for Assam and Beyond
Diksha’s story resonates deeply in a state where women are increasingly making their mark in competitive examinations. The APSC CCE 2023 results highlighted this trend, with women securing seven of the top ten positions in the ACS category. Diksha’s achievement, however, stands out for its deeply personal narrative of overcoming rejection, financial hardship, and societal barriers.
APSC chairperson Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury praised Diksha’s brilliance, noting, “Diksha is exceptionally brilliant.” Her story has been celebrated across platforms, with posts on X calling her an inspiration for shattering societal expectations and empowering single mothers and their daughters.
Inspiring a Generation
Diksha Sarkar’s triumph is more than a personal victory; it is a beacon of hope for young women across India. Her journey underscores the power of resilience, the importance of familial support, and the transformative potential of education. As she prepares to serve Assam as a civil servant, Diksha carries forward her mother’s legacy of courage, proving that no barrier is too great when determination and love pave the way.
Her story reminds us that success is not defined by where you begin but by the strength with which you pursue your dreams. For the people of Sribhumi and beyond, Diksha Sarkar is a symbol of hope, empowerment, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who dared to defy the odds.
