KENDRAPARA: Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. The age-old adage exemplifies the determination of 27-year-old Prajesh Kanta Jena of Dalanta village under Garadapur block in Kendrapara. Jena quit his lucrative job as an engineer at a leading company in Pune two years back to become an Indian Forest Service Officer (IFS). His hard work paid off on Tuesday as he secured 54th position in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2017, conducted by UPSC. The results were declared on Wednesday.
“When, I decided to leave my job, my parents did not object to it. They encouraged me a lot to pursue my dream. After visiting Bhitarkanika mangrove forest in our district five years back, I fell in love with nature. Thus, I dreamt of becoming an IFS officer to protect forests and wildlife,” he said.
Being a voracious reader, this techie could answer all the questions during interview with ease.“Members of the interview panel tested my knowledge about Olive Ridley turtles, albino crocodile ‘Gori’ of Bhitarkanika , tiger conservation in India, history of Sun temple at Konark , freedom movement in Odisha and other national and international matters. I gave prompt answers,” he recollected.