From wedding lights to board exam bright: Dalit teen cracks Class 10, becomes village's first pass-out since Independence

Time of India

06-05-2025

Ramkeval, who went from carrying wedding lights for Rs 250 a day to becoming the first student in his village to pass the Class 10 board examination since India's Independence.
From baraats to boardrooms (almost)
One student, one mission, one milestone
The family that studies together...
In a world where academic triumphs are often taken for granted, one teenager from a small village in Uttar Pradesh has lit up his future—quite literally. Meet 15-year-old Ramkeval, who went from carrying wedding lights for Rs 250 a day to becoming the first student in his village to pass the Class 10 board examination since India's Independence.Hailing from Nizampur, a Dalit-populated village with around 300 residents located 30 km from Lucknow, Ramkeval's achievement has sparked celebration, pride, and hope. With his mother working as a school cook and his father as a labourer, the odds were stacked sky-high against him. But despite the jeers of doubters and the weight of poverty, Ramkeval burned the midnight oil—sometimes literally, using a solar lamp—to chase his dream.To support his family and his studies, Ramkeval carried lighting equipment in wedding processions, earning Rs 250 to 300 per day. According to TNN, he said, "Despite returning late at night, I would study for at least two hours under a solar lamp at home." While his earnings illuminated wedding venues, his ambition lit up the path to a brighter future.He studied at the Government Inter College in Ahmedpur, the nearest institution with access to secondary education. His academic journey was closely supported by the Barabanki district authorities. As reported by TNN, Barabanki district magistrate Shashank Tripathi honoured Ramkeval and his parents, assuring them of full support in his educational pursuits.Ramkeval's story stands out not just for his personal win, but for being a lone warrior—he was the only student from Nizampur who appeared for the Class 10 board exams. As quoted by the TNN on X, district inspector of schools O.P. Tripathi shared, "We encouraged his parents to send him to school. We used to take his weekly and monthly tests and show his good performance in the tests to his parents."Tripathi added that although there are government schools within 2–3 km of Nizampur, enrolment has historically been low due to widespread poverty and lack of awareness. Still, Ramkeval's success is already inspiring others in the village. According to TNN, students like Lovelesh and Mukesh, who failed the exam this year, have now renewed their resolve to study harder.Ramkeval isn't the only one with a notebook in hand—his three younger siblings are also enrolled in school. One is in Class 9, another in Class 5, and the youngest is just starting out in Class 1. Their mother, Pushpa Devi, told the TNN, "We have barely enough to eat and have to struggle for simple things. We don't want this life for our children. And we believe education is going to change that."With support from local authorities, inspiration lighting up Nizampur, and determination etched into every textbook he touches, Ramkeval is more than just a student—he's a symbol of hope that shines brighter than any wedding light ever could.