CHHATTISGARH TO FUND CLASS 12 TOPPER

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh government offered on Thursday to fund the coaching and education of state Class 12 topper who was forced to sell vegetables to make a living as he failed to rustle up the money needed to afford coaching in Kota.

A day after HT reported how 17-year-old Dhavendra Kumar scored 98.6% but got no help from the district administration, readers contacted Hindustan Times, seeking Dhavendra’s details and expressed their desire to help him.

Chief minister Raman Singh also took cognisance of the issue.

“The CM asked the collector to open a joint account of Dhavendra with district education officer and the money for his coaching will be transferred by evening,” Rajesh Toppo , director of public relations in the state government, told Hindustan Times.

“I am getting many calls since morning and everyone is willing to help. Many people have asked me to send account details,” Dhavendra told HT.

Moved, readers also shared his story widely on social media.

“I read the story about Dhavendra kumar in Chhattisgarh and it broke my heart that no one is able help him. I would like to offer him financial help, can you please put me in touch with him. I hope it’s not too late for help!!,” Vasant Patel said in an email to HT.

Kumar scored 493 marks out of a 500, coming first among 3.95 lakh students who took the examination, results of which were declared in April.

His plight moved many readers, both in India and abroad.

Noted RTI activist Anand Rai was also willing to help Dhavendra. “I am trying to get in touch with him and willing to help in all ways I can. Something positive will come out,” Rai said.