Chhattisgarh Govt.'s 'Prayas' scheme helps students to accomplish their dreams

When you crave for something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve your goal. This aptly applies to the poor kids residing in Chhattisgarh's Raipur city as the Raman Singh-led BJP government has with the ambitious 'Prayas Programme' changed their lives forever.

Fifteen students of a government school run under the 'Prayas Programme' have cracked the prestigious IIT examination this year.

Rishikesh Chandra Tigga, one of the students of the school, who has secured 637th rank in the IIT JEE Advance Exams, gave the credit for all his success to his parents and teacher.

"I used to study for 11 to12 hours. Before I had joined this institute, I did not even know what IIT is. But the teachers over here, who mostly are IIT alumni, told me about this," he told ANI.

"My parents are very proud of me that I have cracked this examination," he added.

Karan Rathia, another student from Jashpur district of the state, has secured an All-India rank of 851.

He said that he had never imagined that one day he would be cracking the IIT- country's toughest examination.

"I did a lot of hard work. I used to study for 14-15 hours. I was provided ample support from the teachers. I never thought in my dreams that I would crack the IIT," said Karan.

"I had very poor basics in the beginning, but the teachers over here grilled us and brought in a lot of improvement," he added.

Karan further said he aspires to become an IAS officer and serve the nation.

Jhamlal, a 3108 rank holder in the coveted engineering entrance examination, said he wants to serve the poor and the downtrodden.

"I used to study for 8-10 hours. I want to prepare for civil exams and become an IAS officer. I want to serve the poor and make the country proud," he tells ANI with a big confident smile on his face.

Pranav Banerjee, the principal of the school, showered praise on the Chhattisgarh Government, saying this unique initiative has provided the inspiration and resources to the kids to accomplish their dreams.

"It is a big achievement of the Chhattisgarh Government that 15 students of our institute have qualified the IITJEE Advance exams. We have provided the students with the best of the facilities available. It is not only for IIT JEE, but we are preparing students for medical entrances as well," Banerjee told ANI.

"It is our goal that in the next year, at least 50 students get selected in IIT JEE Advance and at least 15 students get selected in medical entrance examinations," he added.

The Prayas programme was launched by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh's government in July 2010 under which meritorious students from the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts and other tribal areas were kept in tribal hostels in the state capital and were imparted coaching along with the regular studies at the higher secondary level.