Bhubaneswar, April 25 -- A 10-year-old boy from Odisha's Bargarh district is bravely battling blood cancer while nurturing a dream of becoming a Collector one day.

Rudra Charan Deep, a Class V student from Bahadur Pada in Bargarh, continues to pursue his studies with determination despite his critical illness. Sitting in the mud courtyard of his dilapidated home, Rudra spends hours reading and writing, driven by a quiet yet firm ambition. 

When asked about his goal, he shyly replies that he wants to become a Collector.

At an age meant for play and carefree learning, Rudra's life has been overshadowed by a serious medical condition. His health problems began in 2023, when he started experiencing persistent fever and severe pain in ...