The initiative, launched in 2013, was conceived by villagers serving in government jobs who wanted to create a strong academic culture in the remote Dudhawa region. With a population of about 1,900, Musurputta has since seen a steady rise in first-division results in board examinations, which locals attribute directly to this incentive-driven model.
Under the scheme, students securing top marks in Classes 10 and 12 are taken on an air journey to a major city, fully funded by the village’s own officers and employees. This year, Class 10 students Toshan Kumar Sahu (93%) and David Kumar Sahu (91%), along with Class 12 topper Taran Kumar Sahu (89%), were flown from Raipur to Bhubaneswar—marking their first-ever flight.
Educator and founding member Dhanraj Bhaskar said the initiative is sustained by voluntary contributions from villagers working as deputy collectors, SDMs, teachers, police personnel, army jawans and clerical staff. “What began with 15 contributors has grown into a collective of over 110,” he said.
Planning for the programme takes place annually during Diwali, when village officers gather for a ‘Deep Milan’ meeting to review outcomes and plan the next cycle. So far, 48 students have benefited from air travel exposure.
The group has now announced a larger goal: if a student from the village ranks in the state’s top 10, they will be sponsored for an international trip.
Parents say the initiative has fostered discipline, ambition and healthy competition. Students describe the experience as confidence-building, offering exposure to urban life and wider opportunities. What began as a simple incentive has become a transformative educational model rooted entirely in community effort.
.jpg)
