Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai calls Ajay’s achievement a victory of faith and determination of Chhattisgarh’s forest-dependent families
Published on: May 12, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
A remarkable talent emerging from the forests of Chhattisgarh has brought pride to the state by securing a place in one of the country’s premier civil services. Ajay Gupta, the son of a modest tendu leaf collector from Sambalpuri village in Raigarh district, has been selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS), proving that success depends not on resources but on determination, struggle and proper guidance.
Ajay Gupta, who once collected tendu leaves and mahua along with his family in the forests of Raigarh, has now achieved national recognition by securing 91st rank in the country. The forests that once sustained his family’s livelihood will now become his responsibility as an officer entrusted with conservation and management.
Ajay had earlier demonstrated academic excellence by performing exceptionally well in Class 12 examinations, after which he secured admission to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur. During his studies at NIT, he received scholarships for three consecutive years.
Reflecting on his journey, Ajay shared that his dreams were once limited to his village, but admission to NIT broadened his perspective and made him believe he could achieve something significant. He said that forests have always been an integral part of his life, shaping not only his livelihood but also his direction and purpose.
From Struggles on the Ground to Success in the Sky
Ajay’s childhood was spent amidst forests, assisting his family in collecting minor forest produce and working in agriculture. Despite limited resources and parents with minimal formal education, his family prioritized education above all else.
During vacations, Ajay would accompany his parents into the forests to collect tendu leaves and mahua. Even amid financial hardships, he excelled academically, scoring 92.66 percent in Class 10 and 91.40 percent in Class 12, reflecting his dedication and academic capability.
Government Schemes Strengthened His Journey
Government welfare initiatives played a significant role in supporting Ajay’s educational journey. Scholarships provided through the Minor Forest Produce Federation helped reduce financial burdens from school to college education.
Additionally, the state government’s Post Matric Scholarship Scheme ensured continuous financial assistance, enabling Ajay to focus fully on his preparation and career goals without economic stress.
Ajay’s Success is a Victory of Faith: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Ajay Gupta on his selection to the Indian Forest Service, stating that Ajay has not only brought honour to his parents but also made the entire state proud.
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of great joy that a youth who once collected tendu leaves and mahua in forests is now preparing to take responsibility for forest conservation. He emphasized that schemes such as the Minor Forest Produce Federation Scholarship and the Post Matric Scholarship have helped talented youth like Ajay move forward.
According to the Chief Minister, Ajay’s achievement demonstrates that with proper opportunities and institutional support, youth from rural and forest regions can secure positions in the nation’s highest services.
Forest Minister Expresses Pride, Calls Him Symbol of Aspirations
Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap personally congratulated Ajay Gupta over the phone, describing his success as historic.
He stated that Ajay’s achievement represents the dreams of thousands of forest-dependent families across Chhattisgarh who aspire for a brighter future despite living in remote forest areas. The minister added that government schemes aim not only to provide financial assistance but also to build empowered futures through education and opportunity.
A New Role Model for Youth
Today, Ajay Gupta has emerged as an inspiration for lakhs of young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations like the Indian Forest Service despite limited resources.
His journey sends a powerful message — when hard work is sincere and governance support is available, even youth from remote forest regions can rise to the highest national platforms and contribute to the country’s future.
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