Ch Nageshu Patro, from Odisha’s Ganjam district, was forced to drop out of school because his parents could not pay the fees. An avid reader and a passionate person, Nageshu was heartbroken and determined to change his destiny. He started working at odd jobs from the age of 16.
“I got a job in a factory in Surat and had to leave everything, including my home and dreams. The job gave me Rs 1,500, from which I send some money home and use the rest to support myself,” he says.
Nageshu wanted to stay closer to home and spent a few years working in a shopping mall in Hyderabad before finally returning to his hometown. In 2011, his brother informed him of a job opening in the Indian Railways, where he worked as a porter.
“After years of struggle, when I was able to get a steady job as a porter, I was sure that I wanted to help people like me,” he says.
So even while working and supporting his family, Nageshu kept money aside for his future. And in 2020, when the pandemic broke out, Nagesu, like many others, was left without a job. Then he noticed how most of the minority children in his neighborhood were dropping out of school. He decided to use his savings and start free coaching classes for these children.
‘Nageshu sir’ has taught hundreds of students from class 6 to 12 for free so far. Currently he teaches 70 students in his coaching classes.
“Many friends and family tell me how this coaching center is like a well draining my resources. They say ‘Bas ab ho gaya’ (you have to close the center now). But then I think about how it will affect the kids and my resolve becomes stronger. I will continue and make sure that no children are left behind,” he says.
Watch this video to learn more about Nageshu and his mission:
Edited by Pranita Bhat