Autobiography of Bhagirathi Sethy

My name is Bhagirathi Sethy, and I was born into a humble yet values-driven family in Odisha. My father, Late Baikuntha Sethy, and my mother, Pramila Sethy, taught me the significance of honesty, hard work, and compassion for others. Their blessings shaped the foundation of my personal and professional journey. Later in life, I was blessed with a loving wife, Pankajini Sethy, and together we are proud parents of two sons, Kumar Bhagyajit Sethy and Maruti Prasad Sethy, who continue to be the pride and joy of our family.

Early Life and Education

From my early days, I carried the ambition of pursuing knowledge and contributing meaningfully to society. I completed my Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from D.D. College, Keonjhar, Odisha, which allowed me to gain a strong academic foundation and understand the value of discipline and determination in education.

With an aspiration to guide and inspire young minds, I further pursued and successfully completed my B.Ed. degree from the Government Hindi Teacher Training Centre, Cuttack, Odisha. These academic milestones did not simply strengthen my qualifications but instilled in me a deep commitment to education and community service.

Journey as a Teacher and Government Service

I began my career as a teacher under the Government of Odisha, where I found my true calling in shaping the lives of students. Teaching was not just a profession for me; it was a mission. I dedicated countless years to nurturing young learners, guiding them not just in academics but also in values, ethics, and character building.

Over the years, my work became part of a bigger journey as a government employee of Odisha. My sincerity and commitment were recognized, and I continued to serve until I opted for Voluntary Retirement (VRS) after a long and fulfilling career. The classroom, the school environment, and the bonds with my students will always remain one of the most cherished chapters of my life.

A New Chapter: Social Service through NGO

Retirement did not mark the end of my service; instead, it gave me a fresh beginning. In 2006, I took a step toward social transformation by establishing an organization called BANDHU NGO. I have since been serving as the Secretary of BANDHU NGO, working relentlessly to uplift marginalized communities.

The mission of this NGO is close to my heart—focusing on education, food, and accommodation for underprivileged children, especially from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Today, I feel a sense of deep fulfillment as more than 392 students are pursuing their studies under the care and guidance provided by BANDHU. Each child represents hope, potential, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

This journey has been one of compassion, sacrifice, and immense satisfaction. Nothing has given me greater happiness than to see children, once deprived of opportunities, growing into confident individuals.

Recognition and Awards

My humble efforts in education and social service have been honored with prestigious recognitions such as the India Prime Icon Award and the Rashtriya Gaurav Ratna Award. These accolades remind me that the journey of service and humanity is always noticed and valued. However, beyond awards, my true reward lies in the smiles of children, the progress of youth, and the transformation of lives through education.

Personal Reflections

Looking back at my life, I see a journey filled with blessings, challenges, responsibilities, and accomplishments. From being a student to a teacher, a government employee, and now a social worker through my NGO, every stage has taught me perseverance and dedication.

My family has been my strength all along. The support of my wife, the blessings of my parents, and the encouragement from my sons have kept me motivated. I believe that education and compassion are the two strongest weapons to fight poverty, discrimination, and inequality in our society.

Conclusion

My name, Bhagirathi Sethy, is not just an identity but a story of service, dedication, and transformation. From the classrooms of Odisha to the villages where underprivileged children now dream of a brighter tomorrow, my path has always been guided by a single principle—giving back to society.

The work is far from over. With BANDHU NGO, I continue to strive for a society where no child is left behind, and where education lights the path for every family, every village, and every community.