Coming from a rural background where opportunities are limited and resources even more so, Pooja has built her path through discipline and focus. Her early years reflected this clearly. She was selected for Haryana Super 100, a state government initiative that identifies high-performing students from government schools and provides focused coaching and mentorship for competitive exams like JEE. For many, it opens doors that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Pooja went on to become a District Topper in Class 10, a milestone that set the tone for what followed. Her interest in science was not confined to textbooks. She participated in a National Level Science Project Showcase, where her work was recognised with a Scientist Level D award. It was an early sign of her curiosity and her ability to think beyond the obvious.
She later cracked the JEE examination in her first attempt, earning a place in a premier engineering institute. Alongside academics, she pushed herself in other ways too. As an NCC cadet, she learned discipline, teamwork, and leadership in a structured environment that demanded consistency. She also participated in hackathons, working in teams to solve practical problems under time pressure and learning how ideas translate into action.
Her learning extended beyond classrooms and competitions. Internships at organisations like DRDO in Delhi, IIT Roorkee, and ONGC Dehradun gave her exposure to real-world engineering environments. These experiences shaped her understanding of how mechanical engineering connects to sectors like energy and space technology.
Behind these achievements is a reality that has remained constant. Pooja’s father is a farmer and the sole earning member of a family of seven. The family’s income depends entirely on agriculture, which is uncertain and seasonal. With three siblings also studying, financial stability has always been fragile. Her father has stretched his resources to support his children’s education, using much of his savings to ensure she could continue.
At the same time, she has not limited herself to her own progress. Through NCC, she has taken part in cleanliness drives, tree plantation efforts, and environmental awareness campaigns. She has also encouraged school students in her village to take an interest in science and technology, sharing what she has learned and helping them see options beyond their immediate surroundings.
Looking ahead, Pooja hopes to work with organisations like BPCL or ISRO, contributing to advancements in energy and space technology. Inspired by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, she sees engineering not just as a career, but as a way to contribute meaningfully.
Pooja hasn’t had the luxury of certainty, but she has moved forward anyway. The Shiksha Sankalp Lakshya Scholarship will ease a significant part of the financial pressure, allowing her to stay focused on her studies. What she has built so far reflects a steady, practical approach, grounded in a clear sense of responsibility.
Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at NIT Silchar, Assam
AI & Data Science at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Karnataka
