Electricity has finally arrived at Talachua village in Orissa, a prominent marine fishing hub, riding on the academic success of a poor dalit boy.
Hard to believe, but it is true. Responding to an appeal by Ramakanta Sethy, son of a daily wager, who was ranked 16th in his class XII examination, to provide electricity to his far-flung seaside village, the state government has taken the call.
Ramakanta had made a specific request to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during felicitation by the state government for his success.
A dropout from the local school, he had taken a break from studies to take up cattle grazing to support his parents. His fish trader uncle, however, spotted his talent and took him to Balasore where he enrolled in a school.
Since then he newer looked back. He excelled scoring nearly 80 per cent marks in class XII examination, the result of which was published recently.
Ramakanta is a native of Talachua village in Kendrapara. His father, Arabinda Sethi, is a farmer and mother Subhadra is a home- maker. He has three siblings.