Kendrapara, Sept. 3: The daughter of a daily labourer here has proved that sheer determination and hard work are enough to set you on a dream run.

Aparajita Priyadarshini Behera, 24, whose father works as a daily labourer at Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative's (Iffco's) Paradip plant, has cracked this year's Indian Economic Service (IES) exam.

Aparajita, who hails from Mahanangala, a remote village that comes under the jurisdiction of Mahakalpada police station, has ranked 13th in the IES.

"I have seen trials and tribulations of life from an early age. My father, Amulya Kumar Behera, toils it out at Iffco's fertiliser plant in Paradip as a daily labourer. His job is to pack fertilizer in bags. Yet, with great hardship, he provided me the monetary support for studies."

"I did not let him down. My perseverance, parental support, besides divine blessings, helped me become successful in the IES. I dedicate my success to my father," she told The Telegraph over the phone.

Aparajita had her early education from Mahanangala Primary School. After clearing her HSC examination from Kapileswar High School, she joined Marshaghai College near Kendrapara. She not only topped in her subject in college, but was also a rank holder in economics (honours) from Utkal University. She completed her postgraduation in economics from Utkal University and is now pursuing her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

"There is no shortcut to success. Where there is a will, opportunities would come regardless of constraints and hurdles," she said.

Aparajita's parents and siblings are overjoyed with her success and the whole village has joined in the celebrations.

"I am a proud father. The pangs of poverty did not deter my daughter from achieving her goal," the fifty-year old Amulya said.

Aparajita is the eldest of three siblings. Her two brothers are still in school.

Prafulla Swain, the village schoolteacher, who had once taught Aparajita, said: "I had spotted sparks of brilliance when she was in school. She was very hard working. She also has a sharp memory."

Talking about her IES interview, Aparajita said: "In the interview, I was bombarded with a series of questions, right from global to the national economic scenario. Odisha's poverty and possible remedial measures to bring about economic prosperity also figured in the interview. But the board members were exceedingly courteous and encouraging. I fumbled at a few places, but they prodded me for the right answer."