Gram Vikas is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of students from its four residential schools in the 2024–25 Class 10 board examinations.

A total of 159 students appeared for the exams from Gram Vikas High School in Kankia (Ganjam), Mahendra Tanaya Ashram High School in Koinpur (Gajapati), Gram Vikas Shikshya Niketan in Kumudabahal (Kalahandi), and Gram Vikas Vidya Vihar in Gayaganda (Ganjam).

Among them, 91 students scored above 60%, and three schools recorded a 100% pass rate, demonstrating the hard work and effort of students and the commitment of their teachers.

One of the most inspiring stories this year is that of Kiran Kumar Mandal, a Gram Vikas High School student, Kankia, who scored 91.66%, becoming the first student in the school’s 24-year history to cross the 90% mark.

Kiran, an Adivasi boy from Bastriguda village in Gajapati district, dropped out of school during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not return even after schools reopened. His parents, Salatial Mandal, a small and marginal farmer, and Espati Mandal, a daily wage labourer, both with no formal education, were determined to give their son a second chance. They approached Gram Vikas High School, where the principal, Debendra Kumar Dash, admitted Kiran into Class 6 in 2020.

A quiet and reserved child, Kiran initially struggled to find his voice. But he gradually immersed himself in his studies, regularly seeking help from his teachers and working hard to improve. “I am very happy with my result and proud to create history in my school by scoring 91.66%,” Kiran said. “I am full of gratitude to my teachers and Principal Sir, who guided me from the beginning.” 

He credits his success to the school’s structured academic support—multiple practice tests based on past exam papers, time management drills, and twice-revised syllabi, which helped him build confidence and clarity in concepts. His father, overwhelmed with joy, has requested support from the school to help Kiran secure admission to a good college in Berhampur. Kiran dreams of entering the Civil Services in the future.

Kiran’s batchmate, Srikanta Sabara, scored an impressive 85% in the Class 10 board exams. An Adivasi resident in the remote village of Badakua in the Mohana block of Gajapati district, Srikanta lives with his mother, Susanti Sabara, on a steep hill surrounded by dense forest. Since the results were announced, teachers have been unable to reach him—there is no mobile network in his area, and the family does not own a phone.

“Srikanta lives more than a kilometre uphill from the nearest village, Badakua,” says Radharani Behuria, Head Mistress of Gram Vikas High School. “He lives alone with his mother on the hill, as his father, Ismail Sabara, is a migrant worker who returns home just once a year. His mother has always been determined to see her only son educated and self-reliant.”

Due to the long and difficult journey home, Srikanta often chose to stay back at the school even during winter and summer holidays. “He was quiet, focused, and extremely dedicated. We were confident he would do well, and he has proved us right,” Radharani adds, beaming with pride.

Another remarkable achievement comes from Mahendra Tanaya Ashram High School in Koinpur, where Rajesh Kumar Sabar topped the Rayagada block in the Gajapati district with an outstanding score of 531 marks (88.5%), outperforming 912 students from 21 government and private schools in the block. Of the 36 students from his school, 28 scored above 80%, and four scored more than 70%.

Not far behind Rajesh was his school and batchmate Suhasmita Bhuyan, who secured the second position in the school with 87.3%. Suhasmita and her younger brother lost both their parents at a young age and were enrolled in the school by their uncle, Gajanga Sabara, from Terabo village in Gajapati district. “I am grateful to the school’s teachers for guiding Suhasmita so well since Class 1. I will support her in whichever path she chooses,” he said, beaming with pride after the results were declared.

In Odisha’s Kalahandi district, Kumkum Nayak emerged as the school topper at Gram Vikas Shikshya Niketan, Kumudabahal, scoring a commendable 79% in her board exams.

These success stories highlight the transformative role of Gram Vikas Residential Schools (GVRS), which focus on nurturing first-generation learners from Adivasi and marginalised communities in remote rural areas of Odisha. The schools provide academic learning and promote creativity, scientific temper, sports, and value-based education.

This year’s board exam results reflect the dedication and care shown by the teachers and the students’ remarkable resilience and ambition. We wish our students, their families, and our dedicated teachers congratulations and best wishes.

Reported by: Radharani Behuria, Sujata Bisoyi, Deshbandhu Swain, Arabinda Swain, Adarsha Montry