Barabanki Dalit Student becomes village’s First Class 10 Pass since Independence

History was created in the tiny village of Nizampur, Barabanki, by Ramkeval at a mere age of 15—a boy who carried his dreams on his shoulders and marriage lights on his hands. An individual from his village became the first to clear the Class 10 board exams since independence in India. This was a triumph over adversities.

Coming from a cooking mother and an ordinary wage-earner father, Ramkeval had no money but ambition. By day, he took odd hours—toting torches for wedding processions for Rs 250-300—and by night, he read his school textbook in the dim light of a solar lamp. "Even when I came back home late, I studied for at least two hours every night," he reminisced. "Villagers mocked me, saying that I would never graduate from high school. But I wanted to prove them wrong."

His resolve paid off. At the Government Inter College in Ahmedpur, on the outskirts of Nizampur, Ramkeval not only graduated but gave hope to his 300-something, primarily Dalit, village.

The achievement was observed by Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, who gave Ramkeval an award and promised to offer all the support for his further studies. District Inspector of Schools O.P. Tripathi hailed his grit: "Ramkeval is an inspiration to others who think education is out of their reach. His success story is testimony to what strong determination and hard work can achieve."

Ramkeval's mother, Pushpa, beaming with pride, announced, "We have always fought, but I never lost faith in my son. Education is our ticket out." His father, Jagdish, was as resolute: "I could not study, but I always encouraged my son to aim higher."

Inspired by his achievement, other students like Lovelesh and Mukesh, who flunked this year, have vowed to study harder next time.

Ramkeval now has more ambitious plans—he wants to become an engineer. "It still feels unreal," he said, "but I know this is just the start."