A Future Written in the Fields
In a powerful example to the force of human determination, a young man from a small village in Punjab has turned the fields where he grazes goats into his own personal classroom, studying his way to a remarkable academic achievement. Komaldeep Singh, 23, from a landless Dalit family in Mansa district, has successfully cleared the highly competitive UGC-National Eligibility Test (NET) in English. His inspiring journey of balancing the demands of his family's livelihood with a rigorous self-study schedule is a profound story of resilience, aspiration, and the will to write one's own future.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, alerts & updates – Don’t miss out!
Overcoming Barriers of Birth and Circumstance
Komaldeep’s success is a story of shattering barriers. He comes from a background where every day is a struggle for survival. His family, living in a modest two-room house, has no land of their own. His father works as a daily wage laborer at a local brick kiln, and his mother stitches clothes to help make ends meet. A crucial part of the family's income comes from their herd of 30 goats, and the responsibility of tending to them falls squarely on Komaldeep’s shoulders.
This daily routine, which sees him leave home early in the morning to graze the animals and return in the evening, could have easily been an insurmountable obstacle to his academic ambitions. Instead, he transformed it into an opportunity.
The Field as a Classroom
Unable to afford expensive books or coaching, Komaldeep turned to the resources he had: his phone and his unwavering dedication. For seven months, he used the internet to research his subject, meticulously creating his own handwritten notes. These notes became his constant companions. While the goats grazed in the fields, he would find time to study, poring over his self-made materials. His study sessions would then continue late into the night after he had returned home and completed his chores, which included milking and feeding the animals.
This unique and disciplined approach paid off. In his very first attempt, Komaldeep cleared the UGC-NET, an achievement that qualifies him for recruitment as an assistant professor and for admission into a Ph.D. program. His success is a powerful example of resourcefulness and the refusal to be defined by one's circumstances.
Fulfilling a Grandfather's Dream
Komaldeep's motivation is deeply personal, rooted in a promise made to his late grandfather, Buta Singh. His grandfather’s dream was not for him to become a doctor or an engineer, but a teacher. He wanted people to say, "That is Buta Singh’s son, the teacher." This desire to fulfill his grandfather's legacy has been a guiding force for Komaldeep, who had previously also cleared the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).
His achievement has been a source of immense pride in his village, though he often has to explain the significance of the exam he has passed. On the day his results came, he celebrated in a way that was true to his life and his journey: he gave his beloved goats an extra treat of chickpeas and soybean. It was a fitting tribute from a young man who, while reaching for the stars, has never forgotten his roots.
Salient Points
Inspirational Achievement: Komaldeep Singh, a 23-year-old goat grazer from a landless Dalit family in Punjab, has cleared the prestigious UGC-NET exam for assistant professorship.
Overcoming Adversity: He balanced his daily duties of tending to his family's goats with a rigorous self-study schedule, using online resources and handwritten notes.
A Grandfather's Dream: His primary motivation was to fulfill the wish of his late grandfather, who wanted him to become a teacher.
A Story of Resilience: Despite facing significant economic and social barriers, he succeeded in his first attempt, becoming a role model in his community.
