Paradip, Jan 30: Thirteen-year-old Amlan Kumar Sahu from DAV Public School, Paradip, recently came second in a national level talent search and scholarship examination and received his award from celebrated author Ruskin Bond.

Class VIII student Amlan competed with participants from all over the country and stood second in the Max-Igneous Scholarship Examination, 2010.

The meritorious boy from Paradip was awarded Rs 1 lakh besides citation and memento.

“Amlan has made us proud. He withstood stiff competition and emerged triumphant. He was the lone student from Orissa who excelled in the national level examination. It’s quite a feat. We are quite hopeful that his achievement would inspire others to emulate it in academic spheres,” said Suvendu Kumar Das, principal of Amlan’s school.

“More than the award, I would treasure the moments I spent with renowned author Ruskin Bond.

“I had heard about his books and writing. It was great to actually meet him. I received the award from him at a function in New Delhi. He was quite inspiring. After the function, he interacted with the award-winners and advised us to set a goal in life. He told us to concentrate on studies till the goal is achieved,” Amlan said.

Ruskin Bond, an Indian author of British descent, is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost children’s authors.

“In 2009, Amlan had secured the first position in the National Science Olympiad Examination, organised by Science Olympiad Foundation, New Delhi.

“Similarly, in 2008, he had secured the first position in National Cyber Olympiad Examination conducted by the same organisation,” said P.K. Sahu, Amlan’s father.