In the quiet town of Katihar, Bihar—where the flicker of electricity is uncertain and opportunities are few—Seeta’s story began not with privilege, but with perseverance. Born into a humble family of six, she has emerged as a beacon of resilience, overcoming visual impairment and financial hardship to crack the SSC MTS (Staff Selection Commission Multi-Tasking Staff) exam on her very first attempt. Now, as she prepares for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams and trains for the Paralympics, her journey stands not just as a personal triumph, but as a testament to unbreakable will. In this exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.com, Seeta shares her remarkable story.
Seeta’s upbringing was marked by constant compromise. “We often had to choose between basic needs,” she recalls. “Electricity cuts, financial pressure, and limited access to educational materials were constant.” What made her path even steeper was her visual impairment—born with only 10% vision, everyday tasks became uphill battles. But the strength of her family kept her grounded.
“My eldest brother, who is no longer with us, was my biggest inspiration. His dream was to open a school for the blind,” she says. That dream lit a fire in her—a mission she’s carried forward with quiet resolve. “My younger siblings, especially my brother who helped me study, are my biggest support system.”
Knowing that success demanded more than what her hometown could offer, Seeta took a bold step—she left home and moved to Delhi. “Opportunities were limited in Katihar. I had to gather courage and chase something bigger,” she explains. In Delhi, she found herself navigating the sprawling city alone, relying on cyber cafes and assistive technology to study.
“I used JAWS screen reader software and made audio notes,” she shares. “It wasn’t comfortable—emotionally or physically. But I told myself, this is my classroom.”
Despite the odds, Seeta cleared the SSC MTS exam on her first attempt—a feat most candidates struggle with. “My score wasn’t just a number. It was a statement,” she says with quiet pride. Her study routine was rigorous: 6–8 hours daily, combining audio lectures, mocks from SSC Wallah, peer notes, and relentless revision.
“I focused on understanding my weaknesses, solving previous year papers, and staying consistent,” she adds. Her ability to adapt—using technology, seeking help from mentors, and learning to retain audio information—was key.
Beyond the exam halls, Seeta has carved a name for herself in sports, representing her region in cricket and athletics. “Sports gave me confidence and identity,” she says. Now, she is training for the Paralympics, focusing on running events with the same discipline that defined her academic journey.
“Being an athlete is my freedom. It shows that disability doesn’t define limits—it reveals possibilities,” she says.
For Seeta, the SSC MTS win is just the beginning. She now sets her sights on the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), with a goal to serve society from a policymaker’s seat. “I want to work on inclusive infrastructure and better policies for disabled persons. We need leaders who understand the struggle from within.”
When asked where she sees herself in five years, her vision is clear: “As a BPSC officer working on education reform and disability inclusion, while also proudly wearing the Indian jersey in the Paralympics.”
Seeta’s journey is rooted in deep emotional strength—drawn from her late brother’s dream, her mother’s blessings, and her unshakable belief in hard work and faith. “Success isn’t just about exams,” she reflects. “It’s about overcoming self-doubt, proving yourself, and lifting others along the way.”
Her message to those facing adversity is as clear as her purpose: “Your circumstances don’t define you—your courage does. Disabilities are just different abilities. Dream big, work hard, and never give up.”
She lives by the words: “जो कठिनाइयों से नहीं डरते, वही इतिहास लिखते हैं।” (Those who aren’t afraid of hardships are the ones who write history.)
And Seeta, no doubt, is writing hers—boldly, brilliantly, and for the world to read.
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