Financial barriers cannot deter you from realizing your dream if you have strong willpower and determination and a hawker’s son from West Bengal has proved it.
Chhoton Karmakar (18) from Pabra town in Bankura district of the neighbouring state overcame all adversities and got admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur.
Chhoton dreamt of becoming an engineer when he was in Class XI, but the path ahead in realizing his dream was not that easy.
Choton’s father Kanai Karmakar sells cheap jewellery, ribbons, hair bands and cosmetics on his rickety bicycle.
As Chhoton’s family was incapable of funding his preparations for cracking the JEE Main and the JEE Advanced, a local coaching institute in Bankura, and his schoolteachers and friends came forward and extended a helping hand.
Finally, Chhoton secured admission to IIT Kharagpur last week to fulfill his dream of becoming an engineer. Chhoton will do a BTech in industrial and systems engineering.
“We are happy to admit the boy. His struggle and perseverance will inspire many. At a time when IIT aspirants go to expensive coaching institutions, this young boy has proved that merit and grit are the last word,” Amit Patra, deputy director at IIT Kharagpur, told the Telegraph.
“There is a merit-cum-means scholarship for our students. The alumni association too helps. I can assure you that finances will not come in the way of the student completing his degree. I will request him to concentrate on his studies,” Patra added.
Chhoton will be felicitated by the district administration of Bankura next week. Bankura district magistrate (DM) K Radhika Aiyar told the Telegraph that the administration “would stand by him if he needs any support”.