16-year-old labourer becomes first ever class 10 graduate from UP's Nizampur village

In a significant achievement for Nizampur, a small village in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district, 16-year-old Ram Sewak has made history by becoming the first person ever from his village to pass the class 10 board exams. His success, despite the lack of basic resources, has brought attention to the challenges faced by students in rural areas. Ram Sewak secured 55% marks in his exams, a milestone that has not only made him a source of pride for his family but has also inspired others in the village.

Nizampur, with a population of around 300 people, is a village where most men work as daily wage laborers. Ram Sewak's father, Jagdish Prasad, is a daily laborer, and his mother, Pushpa, works as a cook at the village's primary school. The family lives in a small two-room hut with a thatched roof, which lacks electricity. Despite these hardships, Ram Sewak's parents made significant efforts to support his education. The family receives minimal support, with a solar light being the only source of light for studying at night.

Ram Sewak’s journey was far from easy. In addition to attending school, he worked to contribute to his family’s income. During wedding seasons, he carried lights in processions, earning Rs 200-300 per night. He would study after returning home late, using the light from the solar lamp. Despite facing discouragement from some villagers, who believed he would never clear his exams, Ram Sewak remained focused on his studies and managed to complete class 10 successfully.

His educational journey began in the village’s primary school, after which he enrolled in Government Inter College, located 500 meters away from his home. Ram Sewak’s dedication to his studies was clear as he continued to pass his classes with good marks. His mother, who had studied until class 5, was determined to ensure her children received a proper education, even if it meant sacrificing basic needs.

Upon hearing of his success, Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi honored Ram Sewak and his parents at a ceremony. The DM also waived his future exam fees in recognition of his achievement. Ram Sewak’s feat is not only a testament to his personal determination but also highlights the ongoing struggles of rural education in India, where many children face obstacles that make completing their education a difficult challenge.