Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi (SP)

Kalaburagi, Dec 31: In a story which appears to have been picked directly from rags to riches, a boy here, who used to accompany his mother to pick stones with an eye on two rupees wages it brought him, has now passed Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) examination and become commercial officer. The boy-turned-commercial tax officer Ambadas Kamble, who was determined to overcome poverty, has achieved his goal.

Ambadas Kamble is from Kottanahipparaga village in Aland taluk in the district. He passed KAS examination and got appointment as commercial tax officer.

Ambadas, who lost his father early in his childhood, grew up under the care of his mother. In the absence of her husband, his mother Chandamma, took over the responsibility of raising her children. The children, who were witness to the travails of their mother, too chipped in with whatever possible help they could extend to her.

When studying in fourth standard, Ambadas used to go with his mother to pick stones for earning two rupees wages which could bring some relief to his family. Even though he worked hard during spare time, because of utter poverty, his mother stopped his education and made him to work. When he was in seventh standard, she took her son away from school and sent him to work in Mumbai. Kamble worked there for six months but his immense interest in studies compelled him to turn back and return to his native place.

After his return, Ambadas continued his education in Shivalingeshwara high school, Tadakal. He studied PU class in the city but failed. He returned to Mumbai to work but came back in a few days. Realizing that education alone can pull him out of abject poverty, he pursued education with determination and completed degree, postgraduate degree, M Phil and PhD degrees.

Ambadas got married in 2008 and has two daughters and a son. After marriage, he worked as warden of Morarjee Desai residential school, social welfare department residential school, and guest lecturer for Kannada in PU College, when continuing to study for competitive examinations. Without losing heart, he continued with studies, and appeared for KAS examination, passed it, and got appointment as commercial tax officer.

Ambadas says that the problems he faced in his life gave him the strength to continue in life with determination. He credits his mother Chandamma, and brother Shreeshaila, for supporting his studies. Ambadas, who is currently serving as guest lecturer at Aland, is now headed for commercial tax department, and he has become the subject of admiration and model for many youngsters in his village.