Odisha boy's journey from Jajpur to NASA

Bhubaneswar/Jajpur: Arjun Ojha from Raichhanda village under Dharmasala block in Jajpur district may be a daily wage labourer, but his happiness knew no bounds after his son Hemant brought laurels to the State by getting selected as a scientist to work with the US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Hemant Ojha has reportedly received a letter from NASA in which he has been asked to join on March 13 this year. Ojha is also excited to have received the offer letter as he has always been keen to do research on aliens.

Being from a family with not-so-good financial background, Hemant could not attend college education. After his Matriculation in 2009, he failed to get admission in any college due to financial constraint.

Undeterred by poverty, Hemant took tuitions of students and managed to arrange some money. His project on climate change and satellite message secured first position in a competition organised by NASA and was lauded by many.

“Happiness gets doubled with the result after hard work. I have an interest to work on alien research. Besides there is an excitement to travel in a spaceship,” said Hemant.

Hemant’s father Arjun Ojha expressed, "I pray to god that he (Hemant) gets success in life and brings glory for the village and the State."

Arun Kumar Kayasta, Hemant's teacher said, “His father must have done some good deeds in his previous birth which is why he has given birth to Hemant who can reach space.”

"Hemant needs financial support for his visit to the US. I would request the State government to provide necessary assistance to him," said Ramesh Chandra Parida, a local.