Nellayapan B, currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Nagaland Chief Minister, has a remarkable story of triumph over adversity. He hails from a humble background, growing up in a one-room house in a village in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, where his family faced crushing poverty.

In the early 1980s, all five children in the Baskaran family attended school in their small village. Their living conditions were dire, with a 250-square-foot house covered by a roof made of coconut leaves. School uniforms were a luxury, worn only once a week. Nellayapan, the elder brother, even used his father’s veshti as a makeshift substitute for pants.

However, Nellayapan’s determination to acquire an education was unwavering. He went on to become a teacher through sheer hard work and perseverance. Today, he holds the prestigious position of OSD to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and is also the deputy director of school education in the state.

Nellayapan’s college days were filled with responsibilities. He woke up at 4 am to assist his parents in their snack/tea shop and worked there after returning from college until 11 pm. Originally from the southernmost part of India, he ventured to Nagaland in search of a better life for his family, ultimately achieving his goals. He now resides in a spacious four-bedroom house and has supported his three younger siblings’ education and marriages, significantly improving his parents’ quality of life. He attributes all his accomplishments to the power of education.

Reflecting on his past, Nellayapan recalls a pivotal moment before his older sister’s wedding when his parents had to borrow money to make ends meet. People hesitated to lend them money, and it left him feeling deeply humiliated. This experience fueled his determination to succeed in life to spare his parents from such hardship ever again.

With just Rs 2,000 in his pocket, Nellayapan embarked on a journey to Nagaland in 1991, traveling for four days by train. He remembers the sacrifice his mother made by pawning her last piece of jewelry, her nose ring, to provide him with that money. In Nagaland, he began his career as a private school teacher, earning a meager Rs 1,000 per month. To make ends meet, he also started giving tuition to school students in addition to his teaching duties.

Despite facing insurgency issues in Nagaland during those years, Nellayapan persevered in his pursuit of success. In 1996, he secured a job as a postgraduate teacher in physics at the Government Higher Secondary School in Dimapur. Over the years, he continued to climb the ladder of success, becoming the school principal in 2012 and eventually holding the position of deputy director of school education in Nagaland in 2022.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nellayapan played a crucial role in implementing innovative education solutions in Nagaland, including tele/online education programs, TV and radio broadcasts, and YouTube channels to ensure that students in remote areas could access education. His efforts earned him recognition and a commendation certificate from the Governor.

Nellayapan attributes his success to his strong work ethic and the support of his wife, who stood by him through thick and thin. He proudly mentions that his son is now a doctor, and his daughter is excelling in her studies.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nellayapan remains committed to giving back to society. He supports six students in their education, believing in the power of karma and passing on the blessings he has received.

Nellayapan’s inspirational journey from poverty to prominence serves as a testament to the importance of hard work, determination, and the transformative power of education. His message to young people is clear: Keep working hard with focus, and success will eventually come your way.