It’s often said when your focus and determination remain rooted, no task seems invincible. A living example of perseverance and hard work, a young man from Rudraprayag district’s small village, Atul Kumar has managed to script history. He cracked the Joint Admission Test for Masters, and by doing so in style, he secured a seat for himself at his dream college – IIT Madras. What makes this achievement more inspiring for people to know is his modest background.
While studying and preparing for IIT JAM, Atul had previously worked as a horse and mule handler, ferrying pilgrims to and fro enroute the sacred Kedarnath Dham. Upon receiving this joyous news, Atul expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the supreme power and the prayers that were finally answered, despite hailing from a small village area. He further shared while speaking to a news agency, how limited exposure and lack of awareness about educational opportunities were an impediment, as until the senior secondary school period of Class XII, Kumar did not even know that an esteemed institution like IIT existed. Hailing from a hilly region, the general awareness and exposure on higher education content is rather low and bleak.
Atul worked in Kedarnath during the busy pilgrimage season in June, living in tents without mobile networks. He began preparing for the JAM exam only in July after returning home. His friend Mahavir, who had already prepared for the exam, shared notes and helped him study. Post completing his school education, Atul did not attempt to sit for any of the entrance exams, unlike what most IIT aspirants end up going for. He was made aware by his educators of the IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) and the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree at premier institutions like IITs. He thus began his preparation in July 2024, after the incessant flow of Kedarnath pilgrims came to an end post the busy pilgrim season in June 2024, as Atul had to earn money by helping pilgrims travel from Gaurikund on horseback. But once the season ended, he ensured complete attention and focus on studies.
Despite all odds, he cracked one of the toughest exams in the country. Beaming with pride, the bloke was quite ecstatic and shared how happy the people in his village were post receiving this good news. Atul Kumar’s story shows that with determination and right guidance, even the steepest paths can be scaled. This inspirational story of an undeterred young man with big dreams and hopes in his eyes rightly proves that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Be First to Comment