*KGBV's Niharika's victory story

 

*Unique story of becoming a Deputy Collector

 

In the summer of 1999, Niharika was born in a poor family in Chandpur, a small village in Uttar Pradesh. Her home was a small mud house with mud walls, where it was barely possible to manage two meals a day. Her father, Ramlal, was a daily wage laborer, and mother, Kamala, supported the family by sweeping and mopping the houses in the village. Niharika's eyes were bright with dreams, but poverty had cast a shadow on her. Education facilities in the village were nominal, and the tradition of educating girls was also weak. But one day, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) was established in the village. This school was especially for poor and deprived girls, where free education, food and accommodation were provided. Niharika's mother decided to enroll her in this school, even though the villagers said, "What is the use of educating a girl? She has to take care of the household." Kamala firmly said, "My daughter's future will not remain in the dark."

 

Initial struggles

 

When Niharika was six years old, she got admission in KGBV. The first day was scary for her. The school building was old, but the teachers were kind. Niharika did not know how to read or write, nor had she touched a book. Teacher Rekha Ma'am encouraged her, "Daughter, you can give wings to your dreams through studies." Niharika gradually started recognizing letters.

There were problems at home too. There was a shortage of food for the siblings, and the mother often had to face the taunts of the villagers. One day, the father expressed his displeasure, "It is better that Niharika helps in the house rather than going to school." But Kamala replied, "Ramlal, this is my daughter's right. She will study and make us proud." Niharika took her mother's words to heart and concentrated on her studies.

 

The Foundation of Dreams

 

At KGBV, Niharika got free books, uniforms and mid-day meals, which were a boon for her. She would wake up early in the morning to go to school and study at night. Her hard work gradually paid off. In sixth grade, she came first in her class. The teachers encouraged her, "Niharika, dream big."

One day, a government official visited Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya. He asked the girls, "What do you want to become when you grow up?" Niharika mustered up courage and said, "I want to become a deputy collector so that I can help the poor." The crowd laughed, but Rekha ma'am patted her on the back, "Dream and fulfill them." This moment was the turning point in Niharika's life.

 

The ups and downs of adolescence

 

As Niharika grew up, so did the challenges. In Class 10, she scored 85%, a matter of pride for the village. But there was a lack of money for further studies. KGBV encouraged her to study beyond high school and got her a government scholarship. Niharika enrolled in a college 50 km from the village, where she cycled.

 

In college, she faced stereotypes about girls. Once, a professor quipped, "What will a poor girl do?" Niharika replied, "My hard work is my weapon, and I will prove it." She did group study, spent hours in the library, and prioritised her studies.

 

Preparing for UPSC

 

After Class 12, Niharika dreamed of taking the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam. It is one of the toughest exams in India and not everyone can crack it. She borrowed books from her village school library and used free resources online. KGBV teachers advised her to take coaching, but lack of money kept her away.

Niharika decided that she would prepare herself. She would wake up at 4 am and start studying and would stay awake till 12 pm. Her mother would make her tea and say, "Beti, your dream is my dream." One day, an educated person from the village offered to give her tuition for free. This help proved to be a boon for Niharika.

She failed the UPSC preliminary exam for the first time, but Niharika did not lose courage. She corrected her shortcomings and tried again the next year. This time she cleared the preliminary and main exams and reached for the interview. In the interview, she was asked, "How did you reach here fighting poverty?" Niharika said proudly, "My mother and teachers inspired me. I want to become an example for the girls of my village."

 

The moment of victory

 

In 2023, the UPSC result came. Niharika's name was in the list, and she succeeded with 123rd rank. A wave of happiness ran through the village. People who used to taunt her, now salute her. Niharika became a deputy collector and in her first term, she took up the task of improving education and health facilities in villages.

She went to KGBV and told the girls, "No dream is too big if you work hard. I was just like you, but education changed my life." Her story was published in newspapers, and girls from far and wide began to take inspiration from her.

Conclusion

Today, Niharika is 26 years old and the most popular deputy collector of her district. She opened a free coaching centre in her village where poor girls can prepare for UPSC and other competitive exams. Her mother says proudly, "My daughter has shown that everyone has the right to dream and fulfill them."

 

Niharika's story continues to be a source of inspiration, teaching girls that hard work, courage and education can achieve anything.

 

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• निहारिका की कहानी
• कस्तूरबा गाँधी बालिका विद्यालय
• लड़कियों की शिक्षा
• डिप्टी कलेक्टर बनने की प्रेरक कहानी
• UPSC सफलता
• ग्रामीण लड़की की सफलता
• महिला सशक्तिकरण
• प्रेरणादायक हिंदी कहानी