Keonjhar, June 8: While many students are celebrating their academic success and preparing for college admissions, a bright student from Odisha’s Keonjhar district is struggling to arrange funds for his higher education despite securing an impressive 85 percent marks in the Plus-II Arts examination.
Manas Dehuri, a resident of Sudanga village under Nayakote Panchayat in Banspal block, has emerged as an inspiring example of determination in the face of adversity. Having recently passed his Plus-II examination from Dharanidhar Higher Secondary School with 85 percent marks, the young student now spends his days herding goats and working as a daily wage labourer to save money for his admission into a degree course.
Manas lost his father, Benudhar Dehuri, during his Plus-II studies, a tragedy that severely affected the family's financial condition. His elder brother, Tukuna Dehuri, was forced to discontinue his education and migrate outside the state for work to support the family.
Despite these hardships, Manas remains focused on his dream of joining the administrative services. To continue his education, he takes his goats to the nearby forest, where he not only tends to them but also studies for hours, often sitting on a fallen tree with his books.
His academic journey reflects extraordinary perseverance. In 2024, he passed from Kadakala High School with 70 percent marks. He later improved his performance significantly and secured 85 percent in the Plus-II Arts examination conducted under Dharanidhar University.
However, financial constraints have now become a major obstacle in his pursuit of higher education. With admission season underway, Manas is worried about arranging the funds required for college admission and further studies.
Appealing for support, the young student has urged the government and well-wishers to extend financial assistance so that he can continue his education and work towards his goal of serving society through the administrative services.
His story has drawn attention to the challenges faced by meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and highlights the need for timely educational support to ensure that talent is not lost due to poverty.
