18-year-old Bikash Sahu from a remote village in Ganjam district has achieved a significant milestone by cracking the JEE Main 2024 on his first attempt.
· He secured a seat in Civil Engineering at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT).
· After the untimely death of his father, who worked as a labourer in Surat, Bikash and his younger brother were left to fend for themselves.
· To support his family, Bikash took up the responsibility of vending fried in his village.
· Bikash’s achievements are commendable with excellent academic track record from high school examination to JEE mains, and OJEE B Pharm.
In a remarkable tale of perseverance and determination, 18-year-old Bikash Sahu from a remote village in Ganjam district has achieved a significant milestone by cracking the JEE Main 2024 on his first attempt, securing a seat in Civil Engineering at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT). Despite facing immense challenges, including the need to support his family by selling snacks from a push cart, Bikash’s journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit.
Bikash’s story is one of resilience in the face of hardship. After the untimely death of his father, who worked as a labourer in Surat, Gujarat, Bikash and his younger brother were left to fend for themselves. To support his family, Bikash took up the responsibility of vending fried snacks such as ‘Pakoda,’ ‘Bara,’ and ‘Piaji’ in his village of K Ranipada under the Sana Ustapada panchayat in the Beguniapada block. Despite the physical demands of this work and his own struggles with low vision, classified under the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category, Bikash never wavered in his aspiration for higher education.
Forced by circumstances to consider dropping out of his Plus II education, Bikash’s future seemed uncertain until the intervention of ‘Bipadara Bandhu,’ a local social organization, and the Aryabhatta Learning Forum in Berhampur. Bipadara Bandhu provided crucial support, enabling Bikash to continue his studies and access free coaching for competitive examinations. This support proved pivotal, as Bikash not only succeeded in JEE Main but also secured a place at NIT, an achievement all the more impressive given it was his first attempt.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Bikash’s achievements are commendable. He excelled in his Class X exams, securing 89% from Kalimiki Jagipadar High School, and continued to perform well in Plus II Science at Khallikote Higher Secondary School, obtaining 75% (455 out of 600 marks). His consistent performance is evident from his 80.02 percentile in JEE Mains, a score of 114 out of 200 in the OUAT entrance exam, and achieving 5th rank in Odisha in OJEE B Pharm.
Bikash’s success story is also a testament to the timely assistance and guidance he received from Sudhir Rout, the director of Aryabhatta Learning Forum, who provided him with free coaching and resources. Gaurahari Polai, a member of Bipadara Bandhu, highlighted how this support, along with accommodations at RK Hostel, played a critical role in Bikash’s achievements.
Bikash is not alone in his journey of overcoming adversity. Another student, Nira Mallick from Dumiguda village in Gajapati district, also benefited from the support of Bipadara Bandhu. Despite facing significant challenges, including caring for his bedridden mother and dealing with the loss of both parents, Nira managed to secure 90% in his Class X exams and 71% in Plus II Science. Bipadara Bandhu and Aryabhatta Learning Forum’s support enabled him to continue his education and pursue his dreams.
Both Bikash and Nira were honored at the Aryabhatta Prerana 2024 annual function, where they were celebrated for their remarkable achievements alongside other successful students. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of education and support in overcoming life’s obstacles.
(With inputs from agencies)
