Madan Jakesika from Dangaria Kondh tribal community, which is a Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), secured first division with 8.2 CGPA in CBSE Class X examinations recently.

Second son of illiterate Manda and Teladi, Madan had begun his studies in Odia medium in a Government primary school at Dumuripeta village of Kurli panchayat. After completing class four, Madan joined Rama Krishna Mission Ashram School (RKMAS) at Hatamuniguda. It is a CBSE model residential educational complex, imparting education to only the tribal children in the undivided Koraput district.

It was all possible because of Madan’s sister named Drinji, who got exposed to Government development programme during her short stint of a motivator job in Dangaria Kandha Development Agency (DKDA). It is here, she realised the importance of education, particularly quality English education and took a vow to give her brother Madan a special identity. She is a social mobilliser, tribal woman leader and Sarpanch of Kurli panchayat. She continues her crusade against illiteracy and is helping her community members take up education.

Madan wants to continue his higher secondary in science stream. His sister and members of the community expect that he becomes a doctor or an engineer and comes back to serve his community. This will help checking the exodus of outsiders who come to their area to exploit them.

“Mother tongue based pre-primary and primary multilingual education is the key to quality education in tribal areas. This coupled with proper infrastructure, adequate trained staff, sensitisation of parents and community, MCH, pro-child educational policies can further tribal education in the State. A constructive push with little sensitivity by the delivery system will produce scores of Madans who are now confident to be part of the mainstream,” said Dharitri Pattanaik from Bernd van leer Foundation (BvlF).