In stories that are books of grit, determination, and resolve, two Gujarati young boys overcame poverty and instability of life to gain admission into India's top Institutes of Management (IIMs). The tales are a bitter pill to swallow that one can achieve targets by sheer hard work and nothing more, irrespective of background.
A Career of Responsibility from a Young Age
Dipesh Kewlani, 27 now, joined the age of working at the tender age of 14 years at a wholesaler's store involved in shoe and pocket allowance amounting to paltry Rs 1,500 a month. Now, all his hard work these many years has paid off. Now he has become a chosen one at a much sought after job at IIM-Shillong after clearing Common Admission Test (CAT).
Dipesh's transition was not easy. The family experienced a tragedy at an early age when Dipesh's father passed away in 2008. He was only 11 years old, while his other brother, Dinesh, was six years younger. The tragedy compelled the family to change base to Ahmedabad in 2009 on the courtesy of Dipesh's mother's uncle.
Balancing Work, Studies, and Responsibility
Dipesh completed post graduation in commerce from HL Commerce College, Ahmedabad. But at the same time, he used to work full-time to maintain his family. Dipesh is a 'chowkidar' (watchman) of Ahmedabad cantonment zone on a Rs 19,000-per-month salary now.
"I could not afford to quit work and study for CAT," Dipesh admitted.
My brother and I went to school under scholarship and community-sponsored trusts. My mother also used to earn some sort of money through embroidery works done from home.
Dipesh was in Class XII in 2017 when he got an empty chowkidar post in the Army hospital. He appeared for the recruitment examination in spite of waiting for the final result. He passed it. He is struggling ever since to achieve stability for his family and study too.
Suraj Soni: Dholka Ka Kisan Beta Who Had Big Dreams
Overcoming Rural Gujarat's Financial Deficits
Suraj Soni, who was 21 years old and belonged to Chaloda village of Dholka, never let poverty dictate his life. Suraj came from a poor family and was doing low-profile work simultaneously while studying at the college level and doing domestic work.
Even deprived of access to expensive coaching or study material, Suraj set his mind on CAT-clearing, perhaps India's most challenging exam. His search proved fruitful as he got admission into one of India's top B-schools — an IIM.
A Beacon of Hope for Rural Aspirants
Suraj's experience has plenty of significance to the majority of Indian rural and small-town students who want to study in elitist colleges but have largely no financial and educational support as that available in the cities.
Similar to Dipesh, Suraj attributes his achievement to self-study, hard work, and community support. He also depended on scholarship, inexpensive online study guides, and simple determination to clear the exam.
Support from Society Was the Turning Point
Both Dipesh and Suraj's stories enlighten us to the turning point role of trust-based and community scholarships in enabling weaker section students. If trusts, community organizations, and relatives had not helped them, their academic life would have been cut short much earlier.
A Message to Every Aspiring Student
Both these boys are heroes to Gujarati students, but to the whole nation of India as well. Their morals are obvious — poverty and hardship are challenges, not setbacks. With determination, perseverance, and belief in themselves, one can succeed.
As they take their first steps out into the world to begin their new school days in IIMs, their stories will continue to inspire thousands of individuals who are willing to dream even at worst times.
