Telangana — Naveen Naik, a 13-year-old tribal boy from Narsapur tanda in Marpalli mandal of Ranga Reddy district, is all to set don the role of a priest forcing his way into domain largely held by the upper castes.

He is the only student from the tribal community who has been studying in the Sri Dattagiri Maharaj Vedic Pathashala located in Bardipur Ashram.

The Vedic Pathashala has been offering Archaka, Vara and Pravara courses which includes even teaching Jyotishya.

Naveen is rated as one of the bright students in his way with his immaculate skills in chanting and reciting “Ganapati Pooja, Shanti Mantralu and Shodhashopachara pooja”, which are traditionally practised by wards of Brahmin community.

In the next few years he would come out successfully as a priest who can help people in performing their religious rituals, The Hindu reported.

Currently as many as 60 students are studying and the school is offering admissions for the next academic year for 30 students. Last date for submission of applications was April 30 and interviews would be held on May 4.