- Despite losing her Father a few years back at a young age, Riya has not lost hope and has kept her vision strong. Her motto now is to forget the past and work for her and her family’s future.
- Till now undecided on what she wanted do in life, the pandemic has given her a renewed focus in life – that of becoming a doctor to serve humanity.
Prayagraj, May 26, 2021: The Second Wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on almost everyone. For students particularly, the lockdown has caused deep distress – the constant worry about exams being rescheduled, preparing for competitive exams online as well as the fear of an uncertain future. But this period of grief and struggle has also given rise to many stories of courage among the student community that are a true inspiration for all. Of fighting against a situation and overcoming it and Of finding opportunity in adversity.
One of such story is that of Aakash Institute student, 15-year-old Riya Gupta, daughter of a single mother from the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, who is preparing for her NEET exam.
Her father’s untimely demise a few years back was a major setback in her life and devastated the Gupta family. He was the sole bread earner and his death made time stand still for Riya. Her hero who kept her safe and cared for was suddenly no longer there. But, she didn’t lose hope and kept her vision strong.
Her mother (who till her husband’s death was a housewife) showed exemplary courage by taking up a job as a senior clerk in a private bank to support her children and raise Riya and her younger brother as her husband would have wanted. It was a struggle that she had to make especially to support Riya in her education.
Not to letdown her father and his aspirations from her, Riya joined Aakash Institute in Prayagraj when she was in Class 9 with the aim of supplementing her school education and scoring well in school exams. She continued the course in Class 10 as she wanted to appear for various Olympiads.
But, the ongoing public health crisis escalated by Covid since last year has now given Riya a new and different perspective in life. Till now undecided as to what she wanted to do, she has now resolved to become a doctor and serve people in need. She sees this as her contribution in lessening the miseries of people, stories of which are aplenty in these unprecedented times.
Being a studious student, Riya was always into reading articles and spending time researching topics online. However, since her mother’s income is not too high and they had to cater to her younger brother’s education as well, Riya made adjustments in sharing the available infrastructure during the lockdown with her brother till they are able to cater to each sibling individually.
Says Riya, “Life has been tough, so have the situations. But, sometimes being strong is the only option we have. I try to forget my past and try to work for myself and my family’s future. Since the lockdown began there were many confusions regarding the classes, entrance exams, availability of high speed internet and laptop. But with time, the transition from offline to online education was smooth. The faculty at Aakash helped us immensely in coping with the changes. I now have access to internet and a laptop, which has made the transition easier.
She adds, “The ongoing pandemic has made me realize how doctors can make a difference even if they’re able to save a single life. Earlier, I did not know what I want to be in life, but now I know that I want to become a doctor. My whole energy is now focussed on preparing and scoring well for NEET and hopefully by next year with the help of the studies at Aakash Institute, I will be fully equipped to appear for this highly competitive examination.”
Aakash Institute has made special efforts to ensure that students from Tier 2 cities and rural areas who were badly hit when the lockdown struck, are able to continue their studies and are not left behind. Teachers across all branches in India are making constant efforts to mentor the student, solve their doubts and them so as to overcome their infrastructure needs and any problems thereof.
Says Mr. Aakash Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Educational Services Ltd said “The pandemic has been tough for everyone. While students are safe at home, the importance of regular study is extremely important to clear high stakes examinations like JEE and NEET. However, for students from a rural background and smaller cities, it’s a bigger challenge. We strive to provide the best possible learning environment for students like Riya irrespective of their geographical location or their financial capabilities. I am sure the courage that Riya has shown in overcoming obstacles in her life will enable her to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor as well. I wish her all the best for her NEET exam.”
Students who wish to take admission in Aakash can either take the instant Admission cum Scholarship Test (iACST) or register for ANTHE (Aakash National Talent Hunt Exam). iACST is a recently launched scholarship program conducted for students in Class 8th to 12th which offers them a chance to win upto a 90% scholarship on tuition fees.
The Aakash group also owns famous K-12 EdTech brand, Meritnation.com as well.
www.aakash.ac.in
