Abandoned at Birth, Yet Destined to Rise
Twenty-five years ago, the cries of a newborn pierced the silence near a railway dustbin in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The baby girl, blind and left to fate, was discovered by passersby and handed over to child welfare authorities. Her future seemed uncertain—but destiny had other plans.
A New Home and a New Beginning
Transferred to a rehabilitation center in Amravati that cared for visually and hearing-impaired children, the infant caught the attention of a kind-hearted social worker. Known for his lifelong commitment to orphans and children with disabilities, he not only provided her with shelter but welcomed her as a daughter, giving her the name Mala Papalkar.
Fighting Blindness with Brilliance
Despite being visually impaired, Mala displayed extraordinary academic potential early on. She began her education in Braille and continued her studies with determination and discipline. Her academic journey saw her completing high school and higher secondary with merit, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s in Arts.
Persistence Pays: Cracking the MPSC
Dreaming of a stable government job, Mala set her sights on the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams. After two attempts that didn’t bear fruit, she didn’t give up. In her third attempt, she successfully cracked the Clerk ‘Group C’ Main Examination.
Today, she works as a Revenue Assistant at the Nagpur Collectorate—an incredible feat for someone whose life began with abandonment and adversity.
Bigger Dreams Ahead: Eyes Set on the IAS
Now employed and empowered, Mala has her eyes set on an even bigger goal—becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. With the same grit that brought her this far, she’s preparing for the UPSC exam, ready to inspire a nation with her resilience and ambition.
Mala Papalkar’s life story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a profound reminder that adversity does not define destiny. Her unwavering resolve, combined with the right support and opportunities, turned a tale of despair into one of dignity, pride, and purpose.