By Purushottam Nayak –
RAIKIA, Kandhamal, Odisha: Two students of St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School, Raikia, have been recognised for their strong performance in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Board Examination 2025–2026 under an educational encouragement initiative launched by Let Your Light Shine, an educational encouragement initiative founded by Purushottam Nayak of eastern Indian State of Odisha.
Smrutitrekha Pradhan, who secured 422 marks out of 600, and Prince Pradhan, who scored 420 out of 600, each received a cash award of ₹1,000 and a memento in recognition of their academic achievement.
The initiative aims to encourage students to value education, remain committed to their goals and develop confidence in their abilities. The recognition is intended not merely as a reward for examination results but as an encouragement for young people to pursue learning with perseverance and determination.
“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,” said Purushottam Nayak, founder of Let Your Light Shine.
He added that every student has distinctive abilities and potential that can grow when young people receive encouragement, guidance and opportunities to succeed.
School authorities welcomed the initiative, noting that positive recognition can strengthen students’ confidence and inspire their peers to approach education with greater dedication.
The awards also highlight the importance of recognising academic achievement, particularly among young people in communities where access to educational opportunities and encouragement can play an important role in shaping their future.
Beyond academic performance, the initiative seeks to encourage values such as hard work, discipline, responsibility, dignity, compassion and service to society. These values, Muktalal Parichha, a reitired teacher one of the organisers said, are important not only for individual success but also for building responsible and constructive citizens.
The recognition of the two students comes as a reminder that educational achievement can serve as an inspiration to others. By celebrating students’ efforts, Let Your Light Shine seeks to foster a culture in which young people are encouraged to pursue excellence while remaining conscious of their responsibilities towards their families and wider community.
St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School, Raikia congratulated Smrutitrekha Pradhan and Prince Pradhan on their achievement and encouraged all students to pursue their educational aspirations with determination, discipline and a commitment to contributing positively to society.