Against All Odds: UP Teen Becomes First in Village to Pass Class 10 Since Independence
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In a remarkable achievement, 15-year-old Ramkeval from Nizampur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district has become the first resident to pass the Class 10 board exams since India’s independence. Nizampur, a remote hamlet with a population of approximately 300, predominantly from the Dalit community, had never witnessed such an academic milestone.
Balancing his studies with various day jobs to support his family, Ramkeval displayed unwavering determination. He often worked in wedding processions, earning ₹250–300 daily, and studied for at least two hours each night under a solar lamp. Despite facing skepticism from some villagers, he remained focused on his goal.
His dedication caught the attention of District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, who honored Ramkeval and his parents, assuring support for his further education. Ramkeval, who studied at the Government Inter College in Ahmedpur, expressed his aspiration to become an engineer, though he still finds his success hard to believe.
His mother, Pushpa, a cook at the village primary school, and his father, Jagdish, a daily wage laborer, have been pillars of support, encouraging his educational pursuits despite their own limited schooling. The family’s commitment to education is evident, with Ramkeval’s siblings currently enrolled in classes nine, five, and one.
District Inspector of Schools O.P. Tripathi lauded Ramkeval’s achievement, emphasizing its inspirational value for the community. Other village students, motivated by his success, have renewed their dedication to academics, signaling a positive shift in the village’s educational landscape.
Ramkeval’s story stands as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education, offering hope and inspiration to many in similar circumstances.
