Odia puncture mechanic’s son among matric top 10 rank holders in Andhra

The joy of Durga Prasad Mahapatro from Purunapatna mandal in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district knew no bounds when he saw the matric result of his son Mittu Mahapatro on Tuesday.

This is for the first time that an Odia-speaking student from a government-run school has topped in a district dominated by Telugu-speaking people.

Mittu secured 594 out of 600 marks in the matric exams becoming the topper in Srikakulam district and was also among the top ten rank holders in Andhra Pradesh.

Mittu aspires to become an IPS officer after studying engineering at IIT.

Speaking about his struggles, Mittu said, “The credit for my success goes to three people. First is my family, second my teachers, and the third tuition teacher.”

Mittu’s father Durga Prasad is a puncture mechanic who has opened a shop near his house and repairs punctures in cycles and other two-wheelers. However, he never allowed poverty to come in the way of Mitu’s studies.

“He is placed among top ten students in Andhra Pradesh. I am proud of him. I have made sure that he gets a good environment to study. He is a bright student and he has made all of us proud,” said a gleaming Durga Prasad while speaking to OTV.

Bhimsen Panda, a resident of Purunapatna said, “Not only for the Odias in the cut-off area, but he (Mittu) is the pride for all the Odias in India. I have seen him help his father at the shop as well.”

Mittu’s teachers describe him as a gem of a student. “I have been teaching in this school for 22 years and never have I seen a student like him. I am really proud and wish him all success in life.”

Not only the teachers, but wishes have been pouring in from all quarters including from the Srikakulam district administration and local MLA, Shanti Reddy.

(Reported By Adarsha Das, OTV)