Ranpur: Students of Ranpur Government College here in Nayagarh district showed what real friendship means.
In bid to extend a helping hand to their friend, who has been hospitalised following a serious road accident, the students came forward and went from door to door to collect money for his treatment.
The students have been visiting shops in Ranpur market to collect money for the hospital expenses of their friend for the last few days.
Santosh Kumar Jena, who hails from Muktapur village near Siko in Khurda district and a Plus III Arts student, met with an accident while going to the college with his friends Tuesday.
The accident took place when Santosh was about to enter the bus from Siko but accidentally fell from it after the driver mistakenly started the vehicle.
He had been first rushed to Khurda district headquarters hospital and now has been shifted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar where his condition is stated to be critical.
“Our friend comes from a poor family. After the accident, he is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bhubaneswar. His parents cannot afford the treatment charges. So we have come forward to help,” a friend, who holds the portrait of Santosh, explained why they are collecting the money.
The businessmen and common people appreciated the helping attitude of the students and donated without any hesitation.
“We have a misconception that the college students get themselves involved in politics, group class and such activities and are not bothered about anything else in the society. These students have changed our perception. We are immensely moved by their initiative,” a local businessman said.
Santosh’s friends added: “The fund we have been raising will fall short of meeting the medical expenses. His family requires help from the administration.”