Phulbani: A little girl makes the most of her adversity by studying under street and vehicle lights to pursue her dream on Phulbani-Boudh Road a few kilometers from this town, a report said Wednesday
Sonali Pradhan, a Class-IV student of Phejisahi UP School in Phulbani, is a native of Dadpaju village under Khajuripada block. The sight of the girl studying under a utility pole totally engrossed in study has intrigued passersby no end.
This reporter was surprised at the sight of her studying under a utility pole in night and spoke to her to know about her dreams.
Sources said Pradhan, hailing from a poor family, lives in a shanty without power connection. It is difficult for the family to get two square meals a day with her mother being the sole breadearner.
However, poverty has never blunted her ambition as she wants to make use of street lights for study even in the winter. As evening descends she steps out of her home and goes under a street light and studies there till 8 pm before leaving for home. Passing vehicles never disturb her. Their lights in the dark instead help her study better. Her tireless efforts have not gone in vain as she is said to be coming first in the class.
When contacted, Sonali said she wishes to continue her study and reads under street lights in winter as they have no money to buy kerosene to burn lamps. She said she could study well if the government provides them a house having power connections. PNN
