Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: Education is the foundation of progress, but true educators go beyond imparting knowledge—they inspire, transform, and create legacies. Mr. Tridib Behera is one such visionary, whose passion for learning has reshaped the educational landscape. To him, education is not just about academic success; it is a mission to nurture individuals with knowledge, integrity, and purpose. His approach is deeply personal, treating every student as family and taking responsibility for their growth and success. With an unwavering commitment to uplifting underprivileged students, particularly those from Odia-medium backgrounds, he has dedicated his life to ensuring they receive quality education and meaningful opportunities. His relentless efforts have made Tetrahedron a hub of excellence, shaping future leaders with the values, knowledge, and ambition to thrive in the modern world.
Hailing from a modest background in a village, Mr. Tridib Behera’s educational journey is as inspiring as the institution he has built. He completed his +2 at SN College Rajkanika, pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with honors at Salipur College, and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Centurion University. His vision has always been clear—to uplift students from rural areas, ensuring they receive quality education and ample opportunities to secure respectable careers.
His passion for education led him to establish Tetrahedron Higher Secondary School in 2013, followed by Tetrahedron Junior College. Today, the institution boasts around 2,000 students enrolled in +2 programs and 300 students undertaking NEET coaching. His decision to stay within the CHSE board, rather than align with CBSE for prestige, reflects his commitment to providing high-quality education to students who may not have the same advantages as their urban counterparts.
Despite education becoming a highly competitive field, Mr. Tridib Behera saw an opportunity to make a difference. Having completed his MSc in Chemistry from Ravenshaw in 2001, he gained extensive teaching experience through NM Tutorial and Tetrahedron Coaching Centre. He firmly believed that if businessmen could enter the education sector, then as a professor, he too could create something impactful. His drive for independence fueled his decision to build an institution that would shape the future of countless students. Today, Tetrahedron has provided employment to over 400 individuals, with 250 of them coming from the local community.
Tetrahedron’s journey has been one of determination and integrity. Unlike many institutions that struggle with bureaucratic or financial hurdles, Tetrahedron has remained steadfast in its transparent operations. The only significant challenge faced was securing financial loans to expand the institution. However, through persistence and careful planning, the college has continued to grow and flourish.
Coming from a family of nine siblings with a father who ran a small business, Mr. Tridib Behera understands the struggles of financial hardship. His background fuels his dedication to ensuring that talented students, regardless of their economic circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed. His greatest joy comes from witnessing students from humble backgrounds achieve their dreams. This year alone, three fatherless students from Tetrahedron are set to become doctors—an accomplishment that serves as his biggest motivation.
One of the defining factors that set Tetrahedron apart is its strong emphasis on accountability. Unlike many institutions where faculty members simply fulfill their duties without oversight, Tetrahedron ensures that teachers are held responsible for student outcomes. Faculty attendance, teaching methods, and engagement levels are closely monitored through CCTV surveillance and regular discussions. Teachers are expected not only to teach but to deliver results, making Tetrahedron synonymous with academic rigor and excellence.
Mr. Tridib Behera strongly believes that Odisha’s CHSE education system is robust, particularly in mathematics. However, he acknowledges that fluency in English remains a challenge for many students. Despite this, he takes pride in the fact that 50 students from Odia-medium backgrounds at Tetrahedron will qualify for government MBBS seats this year—a testament to the institution’s impact.
Beyond academics, Tetrahedron has played a crucial role in community development. The institution has provided stable employment to hundreds of locals, helping uplift entire families. Additionally, the Tetrahedron trust actively steps in to assist the community in times of need, further strengthening its bond with society.
The recruitment process at Tetrahedron is driven by merit and teaching ability. Unlike government institutions where faculty selection can be bureaucratic, Tetrahedron follows a rigorous selection process. Faculty members must conduct demo classes to showcase their teaching abilities, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction. The focus is not just on a teacher’s career but on their ability to educate and inspire students effectively.
While some might view Tetrahedron’s location as a challenge, Mr. Tridib Behera sees it as an advantage. The campus provides a peaceful learning environment, free from urban distractions. Moreover, its central location in Odisha allows it to be accessible to students from various districts, making quality education more inclusive.
Though Tetrahedron has yet to fully integrate digital learning into its curriculum, the institution remains focused on offline coaching, which has proven highly effective for NEET aspirants. However, Mr. Tridib Behera has plans to introduce hybrid learning models in the future to further enhance the educational experience.
For Mr. Tridib Behera, success is not measured by financial gains but by the achievements of his students. His proudest moments come when his students secure good jobs, particularly when those from disadvantaged backgrounds go on to become doctors and professionals. Looking ahead, Mr. Tridib Behera remains steadfast in his commitment to transforming education in Odisha. Whether through his institution or potential government initiatives, his goal remains the same: to uplift and empower students, ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
