This forest village wakes up for one girl’s Madhyamik dream
Times of India | 3 February 2026
Jalpaiguri: Dawn came early on Monday at Budhuram forest village, a hamlet by the Gorumara national park in the Maynaguri block of Jalpaiguri, as 16-year-old Sumila Oraon appeared for the Madhyamik examination. Sumila is the first child of the village to take the exam.
Foresters came to the village to escort Sumila to her exam centre, and the entire village gathered to wish her good luck. Villagers said it was a proud moment and that they hoped it would help them get rid of their ‘illiterate' tag. Sumila's father, Monchal, a migrant worker, could not make it to his native village to see his daughter appear in the Board exam. Her mother, Rupali, a daily wager, was in tears.
"Living in a forest village is itself a challenge. Sumila had to ride her bicycle for seven km to reach Bhabani School at Panbari. Often wild animals like rhino, bison would block her way. But she was adamant about continuing her studies. Her effort has to pay off," Rupali said wiping her tears. A first generation learner, Sumila said she dreamed of becoming a nurse and knew she needed high marks.
"I have prepared well and am confident. I am optimistic," she said. The Maynaguri Panchayat Samiti came forward to support Sumila's journey. Last Saturday, sabhapati of the Panchayat Samiti, Kumud Ranjan Roy, visited Sumila's house and assured her of every possible support to help her pursue her dream.
The Gorumara WL Division also felicitated her on last Friday. "The way Sumila has donned her indigence and her problems, she is an inspiration for millions," a senior forester said.