Sourav makes a century everyday

Most of us blame external circumstances for all that is wrong in our lives and lament lack of good opportunity to advance our career. Little do we realise that all that we took for granted as a child -- a reputed school, crisp notebooks, immaculate uniform et al, is an unfulfilled dream for millions of children. But many of these children do not give up despite odds and continue their education. Here is a real-life story about a young boy's dogged perseverance and indomitable will. [Newspaper vendor's son in news]

Beginning his day at five in morning and cycling around Kolkata's posh Salt Lake area before school is not what Sourav Bodak does out of choice.

The money that he makes from distributing newspapers to 100-odd households along with his father takes care of his school fees and other basic needs. A tough life one would think.

But Sourav, who has topped his school this year with 92.4 per cent, in the secondary exam, sees no reason to complain. "I don't ever feel bad about distributing newspapers. Whenever I wanted something and didn't get it I told myself that there are many people who have struggled more to gain education. So why shouldn't I?" Sourav Bodak says.

Hats off to Saurav's courage and determination! All the best to him and countless like him whose struggle against poverty continues. Such 'stories' make me feel humble and at the same time increase my resolve to help in whatever small way I can to make a difference in lives of at least few children who are deprived of proper education for the want of resources.