Koraput: A group of schoolchildren in Malkangiri district is taking a creative path to ring in the New Year. Rather than asking their families for money, these young innovators are selling star fruit, locally known as karamanga, to raise funds for a festive picnic.
On Thursday, five children were spotted enthusiastically selling star fruits at DNK chowk in Malkangiri town. Curious passersby stopped to learn why they were working during their winter vacation. The children proudly shared that they were pooling their earnings to organise a picnic on New Year’s Day.
The group revealed that two of the children earned Rs 150 by herding cows, which became their starting capital. Using this money, they bought star fruits to sell at a profit. “Yesterday, we purchased star fruits for Rs 50 and sold them for Rs 250. Today, we spent Rs 40 and have already earned Rs 100,” one child said proudly.
Their entrepreneurial spirit is rooted in a unique initiative by the Malkangiri administration. Local schools have introduced a virtual market system as part of the curriculum, teaching children the basics of commerce. Through this program, students learn practical skills like shopkeeping, marketing, and managing finances, including depositing money in banks and post offices.
According to sources, these lessons gave the children the confidence and know-how to run their small businesses. The children’s determination has touched the local community, with many residents enthusiastically buying star fruits to support their efforts.
“As Malkangiri’s schoolkids gear up to celebrate the New Year with a feast they earned themselves, their story is a reminder of the power of education and the entrepreneurial spirit that can thrive even in remote corners of the country,” said Ram Patnaik, a Malkangiri-based activist.