15 years old Gurubari is greeted by chirping fluffy feathery colourful chicks following the waddling hen on the winding roads, farmers winnowing rice, and children giggling and playing with local broken toys as she walks quietly towards her village Pakhanguda in Nabrangpur district of Orissa from her current residential Government SSD Girls High School in Kotraguda. As she treads the winding path, she cannot help but think about the fateful tragedy that shattered her family sometime ago when they were residing in a close-knit community in Bhatra Sahi, that comprised of only 12 homes.
One day on coming back from the market, she found that her modest dwelling in Bhatra Sahi had burned down to ashes due to a kerosene lamp. Her father was dumbstruck and Gurubari was in panic as her mother was nowhere to be seen. In the ashes were her mother’s mangled bangles and her anklets. The police arrested her father Balibhadra Bhatra as a suspect in the incident and he was sentenced to Chaunriaguda jail. Later, he also died in the jail due to food poisoning in May 2023. This twin tragedy shattered Gurubari’s world as she cried her heart out as her future looked bleak.
Gurubari’s family consists of her older brother, Jagannath Bhatra, currently employed as a labourer at the age of 21, and her sister, Basmati Bhatra, who is married to a resident of Ratadi-Inampur village in Koraput district.
Gurubari was on the verge of dropping out of school when she found solace and support from her extended family, including her uncles. Gurubari’s determination and tenacity became evident during her 9 th and 10 th grade years when she
successfully navigated the complexities of scholarship applications. With unwavering resolve, she meticulously gathered all necessary documents, a testament to her commitment for her education. She received INR 6250/- as the Pre-Matric Scholarship, supplemented by an additional sum of INR 950/- as a girls’ incentive and INR 300/- for essential writing materials. Moreover, Gurubari’s friend Sukri Jani from Papadahandi also offered financial assistance during her stay at the residential school in Kotraguda.
This financial aid not only alleviated the burden off her family but also empowered Gurubari to focus
on her studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Gurubari’s dedication bore fruit when she passed the Annual High School Certificate exam in 2023 with flying colours, securing an impressive 74% (446/600 marks). This remarkable achievement positioned her for further academic pursuits and marked a significant milestone in her educational journey.
Gurubari experienced a pivotal moment when she received the scholarship, a turning point that fueled her aspiration and she completed her 10th grade. Another significant achievement in Gurubari’s life was securing a seat at the SSD Higher Secondary School in Karchamal.
Her other avid interests include volleyball, and she actively participates in the Sargiful festival. Gurubari’s future vision is to engage in Government service, drawing inspiration from the ideals of the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Her story serves as an inspiration to overcome obstacles and pursue one’s goals with unwavering dedication.
