Nageshu, born in Odisha, works as guest lecturer during the day, and a porter during the nights. Due to difficult financial circumstances, he could only manage to complete his education while working as a labourer and a porter. He also runs a coaching centre where he provides free education to the underprivileged children.
Odisha: Nageshu Patra carries travellers’ luggage at nights and works as an educator during the day. He toils all day with a dream to make his life better along with educating the underprivileged children. Here is an incredible story of an ordinary man who strives to make children’s lives extraordinary.
Who is Nageshu Patra?
Nageshu Patra is a resident of Ganjam district of Odisha. His father grazes cattle while his mother takes care of the house. He is the youngest of four brothers and also the brightest. Due to financial constraints, he did his schooling from government schools. Providing proper education to four kids while living off scrapes to run the household was a challenge for the parents. The situation was so dire that Nageshu had to discontinue his studies after not being able to appear for class 10 board exams.
Working as a labourer
In the year 2006, Nageshu Patra moved to Surat in search of work. He worked as a labourer there. He then spent a few years in Hyderabad as a construction worker. He would send home whatever small amount of money he could earn. In the year 2011, Nageshu found a job as a porter and got registered as one, while making a salary Rs 12,000 in a month.
A love for education
After finding a stable source of income, Nageshu decided to pursue his studies again. He studied hard and paid off the fees with his savings. Nageshu completed his schooling, graduation, and post-graduation studies through distance learning. Presently, he is preparing for the competitive exams, while working as a guest lecturer at a private college. His salary has been increased from Rs 200 per lecture to Rs 16,000 per month.
Being an inspiration
Nageshu Patra struggled to make enough income during the period of lockdown. This was the time when the idea of giving free education to underprivileged children occurred to him. This idea marked the beginning of something new and life changing. Nageshu utilized his savings and started running a coaching centre offering free education to students from class 8 to 12.
Multiple responsibilities
Nageshu manages his household finances from the salary he earns as a porter. The prospects of becoming a porter have drastically reduced as most passengers prefer to carry trolley bags. He also gives a monthly salary of Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 to the teachers who work at the coaching centre.
When asked if his multiple responsibilities ever exhaust him, he answers saying that he is driven by his desire to prevent other children from abandoning their studies midway. He still lacks the funds to pursue a professional career but wishes to make someone else’s life better.
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