Baripada: Sumit Kumar Sahu, a Class-IX student of Sri Satyasai Bidya Vihar here has done the state as well as the country proud: He has been selected to work as data scientist at the prestigious National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Sumit’s father Sanjib works as an electrical engineer in Saudi Arabia while his mother is a housewife. Now, he receives online coaching from a Bhubaneswar-based coaching centre Saturdays and Sundays.
He had appeared for a NASA entrance test online with the help of the coaching centre in July and stood second at the state level, but got first position at the all-India level August 12. He got second position at the international level August 31. “Basically, I appeared for tests in Mathematics, Science and Computers,” Sumit said.
But NASA has laid some conditions to ensure a job for him. Sumit must clear the matriculation exam with 61 per cent or more. From the current academic year, NASA will offer scholarship for Sumit.
NASA has also said that it would take the responsibility of his education at Texila American University if he passes out with that percentage of mark. At the same time, he will be working as a data scientist at NASA.
Sumit is now on cloud nine. “This news has changed my life. My teachers and parents are my inspiration,” he beamed.
His parents are equally happy. “Now, we have to pay attention to his studies. Sumit has been burning midnight oil to reach this position and he has got the right due of his labour,” said his mother Nightqueen.
Meanwhile, Sumit has been receiving loads of greetings from friends and well-wishers.
PNN
