A class XII student of Chhatisgarh soars high amidst adversity

Rahul Sahu, a resident of Girhola village under Charama block in Chhatisgarh, rose above his grim financial circumstances, overcame all sorts of odds and defied stereotypes to achieve the third rank in his district in the class 12th board examination. Now he is hopeful of achieving his dream of becoming a doctor and helping the people of his village.

Kanker (Chhatisgarh):Born into abject poverty and son of a labourer, Rahul Sahu, a resident of Girhola village under Charama block, got 92 per cent in the class 12th board examination, achieving an overall third rank in the district.

The story of Sahu is one of tears, struggles, dreams and a surprise. His father deserted the family 9-years back and his mother works as a labourer to meet their ends.

He rose above his grim financial circumstances, overcame all sorts of odds and defied stereotypes to achieve this. Now he is hopeful of achieving his dream of becoming a doctor and helping the people of his village.

Talking to the ETV correspondent Sahu said that the whole village helped me throughout my journey.

"My school Principal, Nasir Khan paid my tuition fee whereas village sarpanch Shravan Kumar helped me with books. Chhagan, who owns a stationery shop in the village provided me books and pens free of cost," said Sahu.

He further said that his dream was to make a place in the merit list but he missed it by few marks.

"I had got 96 per cent in class 10th board and missed the merit list just by one mark. Then I tried to find a place in 12th board merit list but once again I have been unlucky to miss it by few marks," added Sahu.

Sahu's friend Udit Devangan has got a place in the merit list and he has advised Sahu to apply for re-evaluation of his biology paper. Udit is quite hopeful that Sahu's marks will increase and he will also find a place in the merit list.

It is to be noted that Sahu has missed the merit list by nine marks in class 12th board.