A Journey of Quiet Strength: Meet Shiksha Sankalp Scholar Uday Raj
Uday Raj is the eldest of three siblings, with two younger sisters. He excelled in his Class 10 board exams with an impressive score of 93.28%, a reflection of his academic dedication. But while preparing for his Class 12 board exams, already a high-pressure time for any student, Uday faced a life-altering loss: the passing of his father.
The grief was profound, and the family’s world changed overnight. Unable to afford the cost of living in the city, his mother and sisters moved back to their village to live with Uday’s grandparents. His grandfather, a small-scale corn farmer, now supports the entire family through the modest earnings from a single plot of land.
Amidst this emotional and financial turmoil, Uday held on to one thing: his father’s dream for him. Though the burden was heavy, he found strength in that dream and chose to move forward. He knew he had to be strong not only for himself but also for his family.
Despite the challenges, Uday remained focused on his education. At Matha National Public School in Bangalore, he discovered a deep passion for technology. For him, it wasn’t just a subject, it was a pathway to something bigger. Even while managing personal grief and shifting family responsibilities, Uday’s determination never faltered.
His hard work paid off when he secured admission in the BE Computer Science programme at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore. To ensure he could register for college, his grandmother sold her modest savings in gold, one of the few assets the family had left. For Uday, this opportunity isn’t just a college admission; it’s a step toward changing his future. As a beneficiary of the Shiksha Sankalp Society, Uday now has the critical support he needs to continue his education without being held back by financial strain.
To Uday, education means more than just individual success. It’s a way to uplift his family and eventually give back to communities like his own. Uday’s journey shows that even in the toughest times, staying strong and focused can lead to a better future.