From daily labourer to scholar in California: Tribal boy Shankar Arun Bhil’s remarkable journey

In a powerful story of determination and resilience, Shankar Arun Bhil, hailing from a tribal Bhil family in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, has achieved what many cannot even dream of. From working as a daily wage labourer to support his education, Shankar has now been selected for a PhD programme in Ethnic Studies at the prestigious University of California, San Diego (UCSD), marking a historic milestone in his life and for his community.

Born into a family with limited financial resources, Shankar faced systemic challenges common to many tribal households, including poverty, lack of access to educational infrastructure, and social marginalisation.

Worked As Daily Wage Labourer

To continue his studies, he took up daily wage labour, balancing physically demanding work with academic commitments. Despite the hardships, he remained committed to learning, often studying late into the night after long hours of labour.

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Shankar went on to complete his Master’s degree, studying at renowned institutions such as Fergusson College in Pune and Azim Premji University. His academic interests gradually shaped into a deep engagement with social justice, identity, and the lived experiences of marginalised communities, particularly tribal societies.

Power Of Perservance

His selection for a PhD in Ethnic Studies at UCSD is being widely celebrated as a testament to the power of education and perseverance. Academics and social activists have hailed his achievement as an inspiration for students from underprivileged backgrounds, proving that global academic spaces are not beyond reach.

Shankar’s journey stands as a reminder that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity must be nurtured. His success not only fulfils a personal dream but also opens doors for future generations from tribal communities aspiring to higher education and global recognition.