In many parts of India, education is still a privilege, not a given. For Karma Muduli from Malkangiri, every step toward education comes with real struggle.

She works as a daily wage labourer under the hot sun, not by choice, but to fund her studies. Yet, she continues to move forward—with a clear goal of building a better future and one day cracking the UPSC exam.

Life in a Remote Tribal Region

Karma belongs to the Bonda tribal community, one of the most vulnerable groups in India. Her village, Padeiguda, is located in a remote, underdeveloped region where access to basic facilities is limited.

Her family survives on daily wages. Her father works as a small farmer and labourer, while her mother supports the household through manual work. Like many families in similar conditions, education often takes a backseat. Her brother had to drop out early, and one of her sisters discontinued studies due to financial issues.

In such a setting, continuing education itself is a major achievement.

A Strong Academic Foundation

Despite these challenges, Karma stood out in academics.

She studied in government-run residential schools, which play a key role in providing education to tribal students in remote areas. Her hard work showed in her results—she scored 82.66% in Class 12 (Commerce) and became the district topper in Malkangiri.

This achievement is even more significant considering that literacy levels in her community are extremely low. For many, her success was something they had never seen before.

Working to Keep the Dream Alive

After school, the challenges didn’t stop.

To continue her graduation, Karma needs money for hostel fees, study materials, and daily expenses. Instead of giving up, she chose to work. During holidays, she takes up daily wage labour to earn what she can.

At one point, she even managed her studies with minimal resources—writing notes in pencil, erasing them, and reusing the same pages to save money.

It’s a small detail, but it says a lot about her determination.

When Hard Work Got Noticed

Her story reached a wider audience when a video of her working as a labourer went viral. It caught the attention of authorities and brought some much-needed support.

She received financial assistance, including a grant of Rs 30,000, and was assured further help like a laptop and continued scholarships. This support has helped reduce some of the pressure, allowing her to focus more on her studies.

Bigger Goals Beyond Graduation

Karma is currently pursuing her degree at Rama Devi Women’s University.

But her ambitions go far beyond that.

She wants to become a lecturer and guide students from her region. At the same time, she dreams of clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination—one of the toughest exams in the country.

Her journey is not just about personal success. It’s about lifting others along the way.

What Sets Her Apart

What makes Karma’s story powerful is not just her background, but her mindset.

She followed a strict routine during her school years, waking up early and dedicating hours to study every day. Even in difficult conditions, she stayed consistent and focused.

That discipline is what continues to drive her forward.

Conclusion

The journey of Karma Muduli is a clear example of what determination looks like in real life.

From working as a daily labourer to pursuing higher education and aiming for civil services, she is breaking barriers step by step. Her story highlights both the challenges in rural India and the strength it takes to overcome them.

For anyone facing limitations, her journey is proof that progress is possible—no matter where you start.