‘Dreams helped him spread his wings’

Former President of India and Missile Man, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in his book ‘Wings of Fire’ said, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.” A boy from a small village Borgaon Madhani in Yavatmal district read ‘Wings of Fire’ when he was in Standard 8th and dreamt to convert his poverty into prosperity. His dream is supporter by Dr Harshdeep Kamble, the then District Collector of Yavatmal, his English teacher of Standard 5th Ashok Raut and teachers in Narayana IIT Academy Hyderabad and IIT Madras.

This boy cherished his dreams, spread his wings and has now starting journey to USA to pursue MS in Aerospace Engineering. This is an inspirational story of Suraj Dange, son of Devanand Dange and Papita Dange belonging to Borgaon Madhani village in Yavatmal district. Devanand Dange is a farm labour meeting his two ends on daily wages, while Papita Dange is a house wife. Suraj is flying to USA on August 9 from Nagpur city to Doha and from Doha to USA for post graduation (MS) in Aerospace Engineering in Purdue University a world-renowned, public research university that advances discoveries in science, technology, engineering and math.

Talking to The Hitavada, Suraj Dange said, “When I was in eighth standard, I read ‘Wings of Fire’ and decided to become an aerospace engineer. Like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, I also would like to serve my country by joining institutions like ISRO. I want my country to be on top in science and technology.” Devanand Dange, father of Suraj said, “I am working as a farm labour in Borgaon Madhani. I am getting Rs 100 to Rs 150 per day as daily wage depending on the requirement. As our family is very poor, I suggested to Suraj to take admission to Zilla Parishad Marathi Primary School Madhani. He studied in this school till fourth standard and then went to Zilla Parishad High School in Borgaon which is 2 kms away from Madhani.”

Suraj’s admission to ZP High School in Borgaon was his first turning point in his life. He added, “My English teacher was Ashok Raut. He inspired me to participate in district level elocution competition organised by Samta Parva Sanstha. I was the winner at tehsil level and at district level. The then Guardian Minister Manohar Naik was the chief guest and the then District Collector Dr Harshadeep Kamble was also present during prize distribution function. Dr Kamble appreciated by speech and adopted me for education. Because of him, I got admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Belora. I got 94 per cent marks in SSC in 2012. Dr Kamble advised me to take admission to Narayana IIT Academy in Hyderabad for 11th and 12th. I completed my 12th with 96 per cent marks and was ranked 529 in IIT-JEE. I got admission in IIT Madras in Aerospace Engineering and completed B Tech in 2018.” Dr Harshdeep Kamble adopted him for education and bore all his expenses. Suraj saved some money from his regular financial help and encouraged his sister Priyanka to take education in Engineering. His mother Papita stated, “Suraj worked hard to complete his engineering. When he was in Hyderabad, I was suffering from dengue and was admitted to Government Hospital in Yavatmal. My daughter Priyanka took my care. We had not informed Suraj about my illness. He used to send some money out of his pocket money and now his sister Priyanka also got an admission to Government Engineering College Amravati.”

Dr Harshadeep Kamble, Development Commissioner (Industries) Government of Maharashtra in his message says, “I am extremely overjoyed and feeling very happy, as my continuing intervention in a very poor young boy’s life has transformed his whole world. Actually, I am more happy to see Suraj’s own happiness on this grand well-deserved success. It is as if your own son/daughter achieving their dream.” “Suraj Dange worked very hard, against all adversities and proved himself. As I always say that anybody who gets right support and environment can prove his merit. Here Suraj has proved his merit irrespective of his economic status, caste, rural background. I was only a medium who harnessed him and guided him. The spark was always within him,” Dr Kamble added.