In a remarkable display of courage and determination, students from Basipitha Government High School in Mayurbhanj district walked over 20 kilometers to the Collectorate in Baripada to voice their grievances. Frustrated by the poor conditions in their school hostel and alleged mistreatment by teachers, the students took matters into their own hands on Tuesday.
A total of 116 students from Classes 8 and 9 embarked on their journey at midnight, leaving their village behind with a mission to seek justice. After walking through the night, they reached the Collectorate in the morning, where they met the Sub-Collector, the District Welfare Officer, and the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA).
The students reported that the food provided in the hostel was of extremely poor quality, making it difficult for them to stay healthy. They also alleged that teachers were subjecting them to physical punishment and verbal abuse, leaving them feeling humiliated and helpless.
Determined to be heard, the students presented their complaints directly to the officials. They even got a chance to communicate with the Collector via video call, ensuring their voices reached the highest authority in the district. The officials assured them that an investigation would be conducted into their complaints and that necessary actions would be taken.
Recognizing the hardships the students endured during their overnight march, the administration arranged for buses to take them back to their hostel. Their daring protest not only highlighted the negligence of the hostel authorities but also underscored the students’ resilience and unwillingness to accept injustice silently. Officials have now vowed to look into the matter and take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of the students.
