KARIMNAGAR: When he was in class X, Atukula Rahul read the story of South African cardiac surgeon Dr Christian Barnard, who performed the world’s first successful human heart transplant.
Ever since, he was smitten by a single thought - to become a renowned cardiac surgeon like Barnard and serve the poor.
However, Rahul made a name for himself even before realising his dream by becoming the state topper in the BiPC stream of Intermediate whose results were announced on Tuesday.
“Barnard’s story was very inspiring for me. I knew that I will get good marks but never expected to be the topper. I am very happy and proud on my achievement. Now, I want to realise my dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon and serve the poor,” Rahul said beaming with pride.
A student of Trinity Junior College in Karimnagar, Rahul scored 989 of 1,000 marks in BiPC stream.
He attributed his success to his teachers, who he said were very encouraging and thanked the college management for providing free education to him.
Rahul had secured 435 marks in first Inter. Rahul belongs to a poor farmer’s family in Laxmipur village of Jagitial mandal in Karimnagar district. He lost his mother 12 years ago when he was just five years old. His brother runs an internet centre to support the family. But nothing stopped Rahul from studying. “Our family is feeling very happy at the moment. He made us proud,” an elated Devaiah, his father, said.