In an era where stories of perseverance and success often captivate the internet, the journey of Khushi and Harpreet, two students from humble backgrounds in Punjab, has become a beacon of hope for many. Their paths to prestigious engineering institutions have been nothing short of extraordinary, exemplifying the power of determination and the impact of educational opportunities.
Khushi’s Remarkable Journey to IIT Guwahati
Khushi, a bright student from Bhucho Kalan village in Punjab’s Bathinda district, harbored dreams of studying engineering from a young age. Despite her talent, the lack of resources and financial constraints often made her ambitions seem out of reach. Her father, who repairs mobile phones in their village, supported the family with his modest income. Khushi completed her Class 12 board examinations with excellent marks but didn’t see a clear path to fulfilling her dream of studying engineering at a renowned institution.
Her life took a pivotal turn when she received news that she had cleared the Super 100 Programme run by Guru Gobind Singh Refinery in Bathinda. This initiative selects 100 underprivileged students and provides them with free coaching for entrance exams to elite institutions. Khushi took a gap year to fully prepare for the entrance exams, moving to Delhi for 11 months of residential coaching provided by the programme. With her hard work and the support of the Super 100 Programme, Khushi secured admission to the Civil Engineering program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. She is now the first engineer in her family, a testament to her perseverance and the opportunities that the programme afforded her.
Harpreet’s Path to NIT Jalandhar
Harpreet Singh, another bright mind from the Bathinda district, also benefited from the Super 100 Programme. Coming from Burj Gil village, Harpreet aspired to pursue engineering but faced similar financial challenges. After completing his Class 12 at a government secondary school in Phool town, he enrolled at a private institution due to a lack of direction and resources. However, his fortunes changed when he was selected for the Super 100 Programme, an opportunity that provided him with the guidance and support he needed to pursue his dreams.
Like Khushi, Harpreet spent 11 months in Delhi receiving residential coaching, which helped him excel in his entrance exams. He is now pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at the Dr. BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Jalandhar, marking a significant milestone in his life and for his family.
The Impact of the Super 100 Programme
The Super 100 Programme, a collaborative effort between Guru Gobind Singh Refinery and the Centre for Social Responsibility and Leadership (CSRL) in Delhi, has been instrumental in transforming the lives of underprivileged students like Khushi and Harpreet. By administering a competitive test to 600 children from 22 schools in the Bathinda district, the programme identified eight talented students, including Khushi and Harpreet, who were given the opportunity to pursue their dreams through free coaching and support.
This programme highlights the importance of providing equal educational opportunities to all, regardless of their background. Khushi and Harpreet’s success stories serve as powerful reminders that with the right support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome, and dreams can be realized.
Their achievements not only bring pride to their families but also inspire countless others who face similar challenges in their pursuit of education and a better future.