Pune, Jan 25 (PTI): A 28-year-old local tea seller who cracked the Chartered Accountant (CA) exam was today appointed as the brand ambassador of Maharashtra government's "earn and learn" scheme.

Somnath Giram, who hails from a small village in Solapur district and sells tea at a joint in Sadashiv Peth area, passed the exam, whose results were declared last week.

"Nowadays, there are acche din (good days) for chaiwallas (tea sellers). Those who sold tea became Prime Minister and now Somnath became CA while serving tea," state Education Minister Vinod Tawde said at the convocation ceremony of city-based Design and Animation College.

"And to inspire students like him, I announce him as the brand ambassador for 'earn and learn' scheme of the state (government)," the minister added.

Reacting to the development, Giram said, "I have received the news through media and I am very happy that the state government has announced me as the brand ambassador for 'earn and learn scheme'.

"I will work towards welfare of poor students who determined," he added.