Odisha Students Honoured for HSC Performance under Let Your Light Shine initiative

Raikia, Odisha, September 9, 2026: Two students of St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School, Raikia, in Kandhamal district, were honoured for their performance in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Board Examination 2025–26 under the Let Your Light Shine educational initiative.

Smrutitrekha Pradhan, who scored 422 marks out of 600, and Prince Pradhan, who secured 420 marks, received a cash award of ₹1,000 each along with a memento in recognition of their academic performance.

The initiative was founded by Odisha-based Purushottam Nayak to encourage students to pursue education with perseverance, confidence and determination. The recognition seeks to acknowledge not only examination results but also the effort and commitment behind academic achievement.

“Education has the power to transform lives. When we recognise the hard work of young people, we affirm the importance of their efforts and encourage them to dream beyond their present circumstances,” Nayak said.

He said students possess different abilities and potential, which can be developed through encouragement, guidance and access to opportunities.

School authorities welcomed the initiative, saying that recognition of students’ achievements can strengthen their confidence and motivate their peers to take their studies seriously.

The programme also seeks to promote values such as hard work, discipline, responsibility, dignity, compassion and service to society.

“These values are important not only for individual success but also for building responsible and constructive citizens,” said Muktalal Parichha, a retired teacher and one of the organisers.

The organisers said the initiative places particular emphasis on encouraging young people in communities where educational opportunities and sustained encouragement can influence their future prospects.

St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School congratulated the two students and encouraged them to continue their education with discipline and determination while contributing positively to their families and communities.

By Purushottam Nayak