Boudh, May 4: In a small, dimly lit home in Boudh district, the soft glow of a single lamp witnessed an extraordinary story of grit and determination. Sritam Biswal, a tenth-grade student, defied all odds to score an A1 grade in his board examinations, bringing pride and hope to his community.

Sritam was born to Sudam Biswal and Pramila Biswal, both working as daily labourers. Growing up in a house without electricity, under a makeshift thatched roof, he had to study by the flickering light of a single lamp. Nights were long and dark, yet his determination never wavered.

Even online classes posed a significant challenge. With no electricity or mobile charging facilities at home, Sritam went daily to a neighbor’s house to charge his phone and attend virtual lessons. Each day of struggle became a step closer to his dream, with the flickering lamp serving as a guiding light toward knowledge.

His efforts bore fruit. In the recent Class-Xth-board examinations, Sritam scored 540 marks with an A1 grade, turning his personal struggle into a symbol of pride for his school, village, and the entire Boudh district.

“I just wanted to make my parents proud,” Sritam said humbly. “The lamp may be small, the house may be dark, but determination can light up the world.”

His parents, overwhelmed with joy, shared tears of pride. The headmaster of Karanjakata High School, Ranjit Nayak, personally visited the family to congratulate Sritam and wish him a bright future.

Among the twelve students in the district to achieve an A1 grade this year, Sritam’s story stands out—not only for his marks but as a testament to perseverance. His journey proves that success does not rely solely on facilities but on determination and hard work.