Introduction
From facing the stigma of being an “unwanted” girl child to emerging as a top-ranked civil servant, Sanjita Mohapatra’s story is one of unwavering grit, academic brilliance, and a passion for public service. Currently serving as the CEO of Amravati Zilla Parishad (Maharashtra cadre, 2020 batch), she has made headlines for her impactful work in rural education, women’s empowerment, and community health.
Early Life & Family Background
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Born in Rourkela, Odisha, Sanjita’s arrival was initially met with disappointment from her mother, who had wished for a son following two daughters (hindustantimes.com).
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Raised in a lower-middle-class household, she attended Hindi-medium schools funded by scholarships, teachers, and social organizations (indianmasterminds.com).
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Despite hardships, her elder sister advocated for her continued upbringing—a pivotal act that ensured Sanjita’s survival and future success .
Education & Initial Career
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Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering & Technology, Odisha.
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Joined SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) as an Assistant Manager, using her income to support her family and build a home for them (indianmasterminds.com).
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Always inspired to enter civil services, she attempted UPSC four times while working and finally cleared it in 2019 (AIR 10) after resigning in 2018 for dedicated preparation (indianmasterminds.com).
Career as an IAS Officer
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2020 Maharashtra cadre, landed the position of CEO, Amravati Zilla Parishad.
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Priorities include improving primary education quality, upgrading healthcare infrastructure, and boosting women’s self-help groups (SHGs) by aiding with branding, packaging, and market linkage (hindustantimes.com).
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Widely praised for making governance more inclusive and citizen-focused.
Personal Life & Support System
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Married to Biswa Ranjan Mundari, whose unwavering support—and that of her in-laws—played a crucial role in her journey (instagram.com).
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Notably, Sanjita cleared UPSC without formal coaching, leveraging online resources while working at Rourkela Steel Plant (facebook.com).
Recent News & Public Recognition
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January 2025: Major media outlets (Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Devdiscourse) spotlighted her transformation from a nearly abandoned girl to an IAS officer focused on social upliftment (hindustantimes.com).
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March 2025: Indian Masterminds profiled her as a 2020 batch IAS devotee; noted her transition from PSU to dream-chasing civil servant (indianmasterminds.com).
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Continues to feature in interviews and social media, discussing her challenges and motivations .
Any Controversies?
There are no reported controversies involving Sanjita Mohapatra. She consistently earns admiration for her integrity, professional commitment, and hands-on efforts in grassroots governance. Her public image remains untarnished.
📈 Impact Highlights – Amravati Zilla Parishad
| Focus Area | Initiatives & Results |
|---|---|
| Education Reform | Upgraded school facilities; teacher training; increased enrolment. |
| Women’s SHGs | Market-ready packaging, branding, and livelihood programs. |
| Health Infrastructure | Data-driven monitoring; preventive health camps; community awareness. |
| Digital Governance | E-governance models for transparency and efficiency. |
🔎 Interesting Facts
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Cleared UPSC #10 in 2019 on her fifth attempt.
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Left SAIL after five years to fully devote herself to UPSC prep.
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No coaching—used self-study and online modules while working.
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Early support from elder sister prevented her being abandoned.
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Focus on SHGs: personally drives product branding & market launch.
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Multilingual proficiency: Odia, Hindi, English, Marathi.
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Tech-savvy leader, advocating digital inclusion in rural schools.
❓ FAQs About Sanjita Mohapatra, IAS
Q1: Where and when was Sanjita Mohapatra born?
A1: She was born in Rourkela, Odisha, likely in 1990–1991 (reports cite her age as 34 in Jan 2025) (indianmasterminds.com, hindustantimes.com, indianexpress.com, educationexclusive.com, dnaindia.com).
Q2: What motivated her to join civil services?
A2: A childhood aspiration bundled with the inspiration from role models and motivation from her husband and in-laws .
Q3: How did she finance her education and UPSC prep?
A3: Through scholarships, social aid, family support, and income from SAIL. No coaching—she self-studied while working .
Q4: What’s her current role?
A4: CEO, Amravati Zilla Parishad (Maharashtra cadre), focusing on rural development, education, and SHGs.
Q5: Any controversies?
A5: None—her public image is strong, with a reputation grounded in ethical action and community-centric governance.
Conclusion
Sanjita Mohapatra’s life journey—transcending gender bias, poverty, and social norms—embodies hope, resilience, and purposeful leadership. From being cast aside to now spearheading initiatives that uplift rural communities, her biography serves as a beacon for aspiring youth, especially girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Her spirit, dedication, and real-world impact make her not only an inspiring IAS officer but a transformative agent of change.
💡 Top Interesting Facts
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Cleared UPSC in 2019 without coaching.
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Resigned from SAIL in 2018.
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Ranked AIR 10 nationally.
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Drives SHG product branding & market launches.
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Multilingual civil servant with a strong rural focus.
❓ FAQs Recap
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Born in Rourkela, Odisha (~1990).
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Cleared UPSC on 5th attempt.
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Never attended UPSC coaching.
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Currently CEO of Amravati Zilla Parishad.
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No controversies to date.
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