OTV’s scholarship brings dreams within reach for auto driver’s son 

In an inspiring act of generosity, Odisha Television Network (OTV) has awarded the OTV Cares Education Scholarship to Om Prasad Baliarsingh, a first-year MBBS student at the MKCG Medical College in Berhampur, Odisha, to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor.

The scholarship, amounting to Rs 7,30,500 is designated to alleviate the financial burden of his medical education over the next four years.

Om Prasad's journey to medical school is nothing short of remarkable, given his poor financial background. Raised in the remote village of Sarua in the Khordha district, he excelled in various competitive exams and achieved commendable results in the NEET exam on his first attempt—testimony to his resilience and talent.

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Odisha Television Network's support aims to empower Om Prasad on his path to becoming a doctor, recognising the potential within students from under-resourced regions. 

At the scholarship presentation ceremony held at Odisha Television Network headquarters, Litisha Mangat Panda, Senior Business Associate, presented the cheque to Om Prasad’s family and wished him all success in his life. 

“The main hurdle I had been facing was lack of money. I am extremely grateful to OTV for extending a helping hand by providing financial support to me. I will try my level best to honour the faith they have reposed in me,” said Om Prasad.

It was a momentous occasion for Om Prasad's father, Sushil Kumar Baliarsingh, who stood proudly by his son's side.

“I am an auto driver. With the financial support from friends and relatives, I could send my son to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the first year. But I didn’t have the courage to bear the cost of the next four to five years. When I was under severe mental stress thinking that from where to arrange the money, the OTV authorities’ help came as manna from heaven. On behalf of my family, I am extending my heartfelt thanks to them for shouldering my son’s financial burden for the four to five years. But for OTV’s help, it wouldn’t have been possible for us to fulfil his dream,” said Om Prasad’s father with tears welling up in his eyes.  

The event was graced by Lieutenant Colonel C.K. Jena, Head of HR and Operations at OTV, and Dr Durga Madhav Satapathy, Vice Principal of MKCG Medical College, both of whom expressed their encouragement and support for this promising student.

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“Instead of extending my profound gratitude, I would like to bow down before OTV, a reputed media house of our state, for extending such generosity to bright students. I wish OTV should continue their help to scholars. I extend my best wishes to him (Om Prasad Baliarsingh) to become not only a good doctor but also a good citizen,” said Dr Satapathy, Vice Principal of MKCG Medical College. 

“We have provided the scholarship to Om Prasad Baliarsingh under the OTV Cares Educational Scholarship. Om Prasad is a student of MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. In 2015, when his father lost his elder son, he then took a vow to make his younger son a doctor. After 15 years, he got admission into MKCG Medical College. As they have financial instability, we have provided them with the required support. We hope he will become a good doctor in the future and that a ripple effect will be created in the society that whom we helped is now helping others,” said Dipti Ranjan Das, PRO and CSR, Odisha Television Network. 

“If his medical expenses for the five years are put together, it would be around Rs 7.5 lakhs. We have paid the entire amount to the MKCG Medical administration,” he added.