EIGHT years ago, on an ordinary Friday morning, a quiet village in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh witnessed an event that would alter the course of one young woman’s life. The then-Collector, P Dayanand, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, made an unannounced visit to the small village of Anchimaar, nestled within the Korba block. His visit, however, was anything but ordinary for the villagers, especially for a young girl named Chhatkunwar, a member of the Pahadi Korwa tribe, one of the most vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG) in India. As the Collector, dressed in his crisp white shirt and khaki trousers, sat on a modest charpoy in a thatched-roof hut, he listened intently to the struggles faced by the Pahadi Korwas. Amidst discussions on government schemes and development plans, Dayanand’s attention was drawn to Chhatkunwar, a bright young woman who had already surpassed the educational achievements of her peers in the village. She was on the verge of entering college— a rare feat in a community where education, especially for women, was often a distant dream. Intrigued and inspired, Dayanand made his way to Chhatkunwar’s humble home. For a moment, the family could hardly believe that the district’s highest official had come to visit them. But as he greeted Chhatkunwar with a warm handshake and encouraging words, the young woman felt a surge of pride and determination. “Hello, Sir, you are the Collector?” she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and respect. In that simple exchange, a spark was ignited—a spark that would drive her to pursue her education against all odds. The Collector’s words of encouragement that day left an indelible mark on Chhatkunwar. He urged her to continue her studies, to become the most educated individual in her community, and to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. He promised her that with perseverance, a job would surely come her way. His words resonated deeply with her, leading her to set aside her immediate aspirations for employment and focus instead on her academic journey.

 

Over the next few years, Chhatkunwar not only completed her graduation but also went on to earn a postgraduate degree, becoming a beacon of hope for her community. Today, Chhatkunwar stands at the front of a classroom in the government-run middle school in Nonbirra, Kartala Block. As she chalks lessons on the blackboard, she embodies the resilience and determination of her tribe, now serving as an Assistant Teacher—a position she secured through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) on the directives of Chief Minister Mr Vishnu Deo Sai and the current Collector, Ajit Vasant. Reflecting on her journey, Chhatkunwar often finds herself overwhelmed with emotion. The girl who once dreamed of education now imparts knowledge to the next generation, transforming the lives of the children in her village. “I am grateful,” she says, her voice steady yet soft with emotion. “One Collector came to my home and inspired me to study, and another entrusted me with the responsibility of teaching.” Chhatkunwar’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of education and the profound impact that encouragement can have on a young mind. In her own words, she acknowledges that while the Pahadi Korwa community remains significantly underprivileged, her achievement is a source of inspiration for others. “Few in our society have had the chance to study. But now, seeing me, more children are attending school. It gives me hope that one day, our entire community will rise through education.”

 

Chhatkunwar’s personal life also reflects her commitment to education. After her marriage, she not only completed her own studies—earning a graduate degree, a master’s degree, and a diploma holder in computer applications—but also encouraged her husband, who had dropped out after the eighth grade, to pursue his education. With her support, he completed his twelfth grade and secured a job as a peon. Their story is one of mutual support, resilience, and transformative power of education, even in most challenging circumstances. Today, as Chhatkunwar’s family moves towards a better future, she remains deeply connected to her roots. She is acutely aware of the ongoing struggles faced by many in her community, where poverty and lack of opportunities continue to hinder progress. “Life is still not easy for many in the Pahadi Korwa community,” she says. “But I am thankful that I chose the path of education. It has brought me here, and I hope that it will bring others out of the darkness too.”

 

Chhatkunwar’s journey from a small village in Korba to a classroom teacher is more than just a personal success story; it is a symbol of hope for her community. Through her, the Pahadi Korwa tribe sees a future where education can break the chains of poverty and bring about lasting change. And while there is still much work to be done, Chhatkunwar’s story is powerful reminders that even the smallest of sparks can light up the darkest of paths. Today, as P Dayanand sits at the very epicentre of power as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, overseeing crucial decisions within the state’s BJP-led government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, his legacy is a testament to the lasting impact of compassionate leadership. Now one of the three top bureaucrats steering the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Dayanand’s influence has grown exponentially since his days in Korba. His rise through the ranks of the bureaucracy reflects not only his administrative acumen but also his deep commitment to the people he serves.

 

Despite the weight of his current responsibilities, Dayanand remains unfazed by the trappings of power, retaining the humility and grounded ness that characterised his early career. When ‘The Hitavada’ asked him about the inspiring journey of Chhatkunwar, the Pahadi Korwa teacher whose life he helped change with just a few words of encouragement, Dayanand’s response is marked by sincere humility. “I’m really overwhelmed to see my small effort make such a big difference,” he said, reflecting on how a simple visit and a heartfelt conversation had sown the seeds of a brighter future for Chhatkunwar and her community. “I wish her all the best and many more successes ahead!” His words echo the wisdom of the ancient proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”