For many students, choosing a career is a matter of interest. For Kangan Mittal, it was also a matter of what her family could realistically afford.
Growing up in Mathura, Kangan enjoyed mathematics and science, with biology and chemistry being her favourite subjects. Like many students who excelled in these subjects, she imagined herself becoming a doctor one day. But by the time she was sixteen, that dream had collided with a difficult reality. Her parents gently but honestly told her that pursuing medicine would only be possible if she could somehow manage the cost herself. It was not a question of discouraging her ambitions – it was simply beyond what the family could afford.
Her father once ran a wholesale textile business that supported the household comfortably. However, the business gradually declined, and the COVID-19 pandemic dealt it a severe blow. Today, he struggles to earn just enough to support the family. Years of financial setbacks have also left the family burdened with debt, a responsibility that Kangan quietly hopes to help shoulder in the years ahead.
Rather than giving up on higher education, she chose a different path. Recognising the growing opportunities in technology, she decided to pursue B.Tech in Information Technology at Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology for Divyangjan, believing that strong technical skills would allow her to build a stable career while staying connected to her love for problem-solving.
Preparing for engineering entrance examinations was another challenge. Professional coaching was simply out of reach, so Kangan relied on free and affordable online resources, including Physics Wallah, and disciplined self-study. Even paying her admission-related expenses required her family to borrow money from relatives. Every step towards college came with sacrifices that were shared by the entire family.
Beyond academics, Kangan has always believed in making the most of every opportunity available to her. She earned the NCC ‘A’ Certificate and secured the Alpha Rank, an achievement that reflects her discipline and commitment. She also enjoys singing and dancing, is naturally curious, and is always eager to learn something new. In college, she has volunteered as a member of the counselling committee, where she contributes to improving communication among students while developing her own leadership and interpersonal skills.
Kangan’s immediate goal is to build strong technical expertise and secure a good job after graduation. Looking further ahead, she hopes to pursue postgraduate studies as well, if her financial circumstances allow. For her, education is not simply about earning a degree; it is the most practical and meaningful way to rebuild the financial security that her family once had.
For a family that has measured every educational expense against its limited means, the Lakshya Scholarship offers both support and reassurance. It allows Kangan to look beyond immediate financial concerns and invest her time where she believes it matters most, developing the knowledge and skills that will help her build a secure future for herself and her parents.
Kangan’s story is about adapting when life changes course, making difficult but thoughtful choices, and continuing to move forward with determination. Her journey reflects the quiet resilience of many young students who understand that while circumstances may shape their path, they do not have to define their destination.
