Rajan Pokharel

Syadul (Dhading), February 3:

He has been securing the first position from grade two, but his parents are worried over his future. Reason: They don’t have enough resources to support his studies.

Laxman Praja, 50, of Dhusa village development committee-7, was ecstatic when his son, Santa Bahadur, was adjudged the best student in the school.

Santa, 14, is an eighth grader at the Pancha Kanya Secondary School, Barbhanjyang.

“I am glad that the school itself recognised the calibre of my son when the society was not happy with a Chepang child attending school,” said Laxman.

According to the principal of the school, Birendra Pandey, Santa was given the award because he secured 70 per cent marks in the final exams last year.

The school has been sponsoring Santa up till now. However, the sponsorship will stop by April this year since he will have to be admitted to another school, if he is to pursue his studies. Says a worried Santa Bahadur, “My father and my mother work as porters to make money”. “I have to get enrolled at another school in April but they cannot afford it.”

Santa wants to study medicine and wants to help the society.

Stating that Santa was the first Chepang student of the school, Pandey said 11 other Chepang kids have been enrolled at lower classes.

There are about 100 Chepang families living in the Dhusa village development committee.

Laxman dreams of sending his son to school, but his dream won’t be realised unless some good samaritans lend their support to Santa.