Ever since he scored 78 per cent in the SSC exams, Sumit Fasala, 16, has been the pride of his family and his tribal hamlet Save. But the teenager has just one thing on his mind - is there any point to all his hard work if he is ultimately forced to become a farm and construction labourer? Sumit is among thousands of students in the tribal belt who dream of going to Palghar for further studies and eventually earning themselves a brighter future. But the sad truth is that most of these students will never get to wear a graduation gown and cap - not because they lack talent, but because Palghar simply does not seem to have room for them.

Their villages do not have any facilities for further study, and the only way the students can afford to study in Palghar is if the government provides them with accommodation in hostels. Despite crores of rupees being dedicated for tribal development, Palghar's tribal hostels still have room only for 240 tribal students each year - 120 girls and 120 boys. Compare this to the thousands of students who apply for these spots every year, and it's not hard to understand why Sumit is now considering dropping out of school and just joining his father in seasonal farming and construction work.