From dustbin to officer’s desk: Abandoned as blind infant, now officer in India's Nagpur collectorate

Dubai: In a remarkable journey of resilience and hope, 26-year-old Mala Papalkar, who was found abandoned in a dustbin near Jalgaon railway station as a blind infant, has defied all odds to become a government officer.

Mala has successfully cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination and has been appointed as a Revenue Assistant at the Nagpur Collectorate.

Born visually impaired and abandoned at birth, Mala was rescued and raised in a rehabilitation centre in Amravati.

With unwavering determination and the right support system, she studied diligently and cleared the MPSC examination in May last year.

This month, she received her official appointment letter, marking a new chapter in her inspiring journey.

Mala attributes her success to Padma Shri awardee Shankar Baba Papalkar, who adopted her, gave her his name, and raised her with deep compassion.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “Shankar Baba has not only been my pillar of strength but a father figure to hundreds of orphaned and differently-abled children.”

Shankar Baba, now 81, was honoured with the Padma Shri in January last year for his tireless work in social welfare. He runs an ashram in Wazzar, Amravati district, that houses over 123 orphans and mentally challenged children. His life’s mission has been to offer shelter, care, and dignity to destitute and differently-abled children across Maharashtra.

The Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — are among India’s highest civilian honours, conferred for distinguished service in various fields such as social work, public affairs, arts, education, and civil service.

Mala’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but a testament to the power of love, second chances, and unwavering faith in human potential.