Bargarh, June 4: While many graduates spend their days searching for jobs, 19-year-old Kabir Siddar from Bijadhol village under Jhharbandh block in Bargarh district has chosen a different path. Despite securing a place among the top ten students of the university, Kabir is currently working as a labourer under a rural employment scheme to support his higher education.
For the past week, Kabir has been engaged in road construction work under the BVG-RAMJY project, carrying soil from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Though his current identity is that of a daily wage worker, his journey reflects a story of resilience, hard work and academic excellence.
Kabir lost his father at the age of 12 and was raised by his widowed mother and elder brother Devaraj amid severe financial hardships. Despite limited resources, the family ensured that his education continued uninterrupted. Devaraj, who supports the family through farming on a small piece of ancestral land, remained committed to helping his younger brother pursue higher studies.
Their efforts paid off when Kabir graduated with honours in Education from Jhharbandh Panchayat Samiti Degree College under Sambalpur University this year. He secured the ninth rank in the university and was honoured by his college for his academic achievement. Kabir now aspires to pursue a B.Ed degree and become a teacher.
Rather than remaining idle after graduation, Kabir applied for work under the employment scheme after obtaining a job card. He is currently engaged in the road improvement project connecting Bijadhol and Bandamunda villages. Labourers under the scheme earn ₹371 per day and are required to excavate at least 64 square feet of soil.
Kabir believes that no work is insignificant and that productive engagement is always better than unemployment. He says physical labour not only helps maintain good health and mental well-being but also enables him to save money for his future education. His determination has inspired more than ten students from the area to take up similar work.
Kabir's efforts have drawn praise from both educators and administrators. College Principal Shyamsundar Behera described him as a hardworking student whose achievements have brought pride to the institution and conveyed a positive social message.
Jhharbandh BDO Parshuram Panda also lauded Kabir's initiative, saying that the young graduate has become a source of inspiration for local youth. He noted that in migration-prone Jhharbandh block, the employment scheme has provided livelihood opportunities to many poor families and that Kabir's example demonstrates the value of self-reliance and dignity of labour.
The BDO said he plans to meet Kabir soon to discuss his educational aspirations and family challenges and explore possible avenues of support for his higher studies.
