17-year-old Odisha boy suffering from blood cancer secures 60% in class 12 exam

BHUBANESWAR: A 17-year-old boy suffering from blood cancer has not bowed down to the life-threatening ailment. Firm on his conviction to fight the disease and pursue higher education to become a good human being in life, P Achyuta Rao of Jeypore town in Odisha’s Koraput district, has secured 60 per cent mark in the Plus II science examinations.

His challenge to the disease that kept him confined to bed most of the time and coming out with flying colours in the examinations has now become talk of the town.

Rao, who was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, did not treat the examination any less seriously than his fellow students even though no one would have blamed him if he did. With a strong determination coupled with dedication and hard work, he battled the dangerous disease like blood cancer and came up with flying colours in Plus II science examinations, the results of which were declared on Wednesday.

“Let God be kind to everyone and let nobody suffer like me. I was diagnosed with blood cancer after my matriculation examination. Lakhs of rupees have been spent on my treatment. Forget about the examinations, even survival was difficult. I had thought only to clear the Plus II examination somehow. In between my treatment, I never neglected my studies. I am very much happy that I have secured a 60 per cent mark in the examination despite all the difficulties,” said Rao.

The boy says it was very difficult to pursue study amid suffering from a disease like blood cancer. But, he assured his parents and relatives that he would clear his examinations at any cost.

“With the blessings of my parents, relatives and teachers, I secured 60 per cent marks,” he added.

Rao’s parents are equally happy with their son’s achievement.

“We have no words to express our joy. Despite his struggle with the disease, he secured 60 per cent marks in the Plus 2 science examination. He has the ambition to continue higher studies. After another round of check-ups, we will decide the further course of action,” said Rao’s father P Pratap Kumar.