Odisha, May 26 -- Despite spending their childhoods in penury and due to strong determination and hard work, a girl from Jharsuguda and a boy from Sundargarh districts scored notable marks in matriculation exams and set examples for others. The Matric results were out today.

The girl Rupa is the daughter of Puranda Sa and Om Prakash Sa from Belpahar locality. She got A-1 Grade in this year's high school certificate (HSC) examination. She matriculated from Giridhari high school in the district. Her father ekes out a living and supports the family as a fruit vendor.

"I used to study for around 12 hours a day. My teachers enormously supported me in my studies. I will pursue Science at the Plus II level and become a doctor in the future. I ...