Toppers of State-run schools find a surprise host

Warangal: Why should private school managements have all the fun chest-thumping their achievements in SSC results, it's now the turn of the students of the often-underestimated State-run schools to bask in the glory.

Thanks to Warangal Urban District Collector Prashanth Jeevan Patil who in a unique gesture of adulation, made it possible for 21 SSC students, who had scored 10/10 GPA in the results announced recently, to visit his Camp Office and have lunch with him.

It was really an overwhelming moment for the students, who found a surprise host in the Collector on Sunday.

It was not just an occasion to pat on the back and presenting certificates of appreciation to the students but also a session of interaction with the students sharing their goals set for their future.

The Collector gave a patient hearing to the students and told them to make full use of the opportunities provided by the government to reach pinnacle in their career.

"Learn to cope with life and its challenges. Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there," Patil told the students.

Responding to some students' goal to crack the Civil Services, he told them to work hard towards their target but keeping it in mind that there should plan 'B' as well.

Among the students felicitated by the Collector, the story of semi orphan Tejavath Sharath is awe-inspiring.

Sharath, who hails from Lion Tanda under Gudur mandal, became a dropout after he lost his mother. Three years later, he found a messiah in a teacher Vishnumurthy.

With the help of this teacher, he pursued his studies and made a mark in the SSC exams.

Tejavath Sharath said: "It was a pleasant surprise to visit Collector's bungalow. It's an honour to have a lunch and receive an accolade from none other than the Collector himself.

The Collector gave us a lot of tips to excel in academics and he also promised to help the needy students to realise their dreams." Sharath thanked his source of inspiration Vishnumurthy teacher because of whose efforts he was able to continue his studies.

Warangal Urban District Collector's gesture to host lunch for the SSC toppers has come in for huge appreciation from various quarters. Speaking to The Hans India, Kakatiya University Vice-Chancellor Prof R Sayanna said: "It was really a wonderful gesture from the Collector.

Students will get motivated through such programmes. It could be a great experience for the students who got a chance to spend time and have lunch with the Collector."

Meanwhile it's learnt that the Telangana School Education Secretary B Janardhan Reddy, who appreciated Warangal Urban Collector's gesture, has reportedly suggested other district administrations to carry such programmes.