**Cuttack:** Abhishek Sahoo, a Std-4 student of SCB Medical Public School, is an extraordinary child in his own way. While kids of the same age are addicted to cartoons on television sets, this young boy displays an immense amount of talent and maturity.
An extremely talented drummer, he has earned accolades by giving outstanding performances at various places in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and mesmerized the audiences.
But being an excellent drummer is just one side of this nine-year-old boy. He has a hidden philanthropic attribute to his character.
“I try to do my bit of social service for the underprivileged children. Out of the money I get from my shows, I keep aside an amount to be given to the needy kids. Last year, three poor but good students were identified and I gave Rs.200 to each on a monthly basis for a year. Similarly, this year, I am helping out two students,” revealed the little rock-star.
“I know this is not a big amount. But this is a gesture from my little son to instil and maintain a level of interest in studies in some of the needful kids. He may not be able to fulfill all their needs, but this small gesture is appreciable. I am proud of him, and support him in his innocent venture,” said Alok Sahoo his father.
Though his talent was spotted by his parents when he was three year old, lack of good trainer became a handicap for this little rockstar. But, having a ‘don’t give up’ attitude made him resort to the latest way of learning this skill. He started practicing from You Tube and since last one year, he has given around 70-80 performances in various schools, colleges, FM Radio, All India Radio, television channels, etc.
He was even termed as the brand ambassador of the 2nd ‘Raahgiri’ held in Bhubaneswar by the Mayor, Ananta Narayan Jena.
Humble and practical, Abhishek takes his studies with equal seriousness.
“He is very good at studies. Though he skips some of the classes, it is done for a good cause and we all support him in his cause. It is commendable to garner such a philanthropic thought at such a tender age,” said Lisa Das, her class teacher.
“I feel proud to have such a son who is not only talented but also has so clear and good thoughts,” revealed Sasmita Sahoo, mother of Abhisek.
This young drummer likes to hang out with his best friends, Jyoti and Saiprasad at free time. Now, he is also a proud big brother to his small one-month old sibling.
“Though two hundred rupees in today’s world is very less, but the feel behind the act is priceless. Abhishek thinks beyond classroom. At this age, to balance studies and drumming so skilfully is very uncommon for students of his age. Moreover, he is a very obedient, and good child,” said Bidyut Lata Ojha, Principal, SCB Medical Public School.
Childhood, when one is allowed to do anything and the society or family won’t even crib about their careless activities, this young drummer has carved a niche for himself by his out-of-the-way thought process and sheer talent.