Kerala girl who lost an arm at 12 becomes assistant collector in Kochi

Turning adversity into achievement, Parvathy Gopakumar from Alappuzha has taken charge as Assistant Collector in Kochi, a moment that marks not just a career milestone but a victory of sheer willpower. Parvathy lost her right hand in a tragic road accident at age 12. Undeterred, she relearned to write using her left hand, beginning again with slates and cursive writing books like a nursery student. Her perseverance saw her through Class 10 and higher secondary education with top scores, leading her to pursue a law degree in Bengaluru.

Driven by a dream to serve the country, she cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her second attempt (2023–24), securing an impressive All India Rank of 282. She has been allotted the Kerala cadre, with her first posting in Ernakulam district. Placing her prosthetic arm gently on the desk, she signed in—symbolizing that setbacks may shape the journey but do not determine the destination.

Parvathy’s family, including her father, K.S. Gopakumar, a deputy tahsildar, and her mother, Sreekala S. Nair, a school teacher, witnessed the proud moment. While she dreams of serving in her hometown of Alappuzha alongside her father, official rules prevent postings in one’s native place. For now, she’s proud to serve the neighbouring district. Fifteen years after her accident, Parvathy’s story is not just about success but resilience, grit, and rewriting fate with her own hand.