Kedarnath Pony Handler's Son Cracks IIT-JAM, Gets Admission At IIT Madras
Atul used to guide ponies and help pilgrims on the steep mountain paths of Kedarnath Dham to support his family. Today, he is set to begin a new chapter at one of India's top engineering institutes.
"In the beginning, I didn't even know what IIT was," Atul told ANI. "Growing up, water shortages and lack of awareness kept us from dreaming big. I wasn't interested in engineering until a teacher introduced me to the idea of doing a master's at IIT. That changed everything."
Atul worked in Kedarnath during the busy pilgrimage season in June, living in tents without mobile networks. He began preparing for the JAM exam only in July after returning home. His friend Mahavir, who had already prepared for the exam, shared notes and helped him study.
From July to January, I studied regularly. The exam was in February, he said.
In Kedarnath, Atul helped manage pilgrim travel by arranging ponies, carrying goods, and walking along dangerous routes in difficult weather. Despite the tough conditions, he remained determined.
"My biggest motivation was to move ahead in life -- to escape that place and create something better for myself," he said.
His father, a pony handler, is the main earner for the family. Atul used to assist him during holidays. His elder sister is married, and his younger sister recently completed her education.
Now, with admission secured at IIT Madras, Atul says the response from the community has been overwhelming.
"More than my own joy, it was the happiness on others' faces that touched me -- from teachers to people who never even taught me, everyone called to congratulate me," he said.
Sharing a message for students from similar backgrounds, Atul said that if his story encourages even a few students to keep going despite hardships, then he has achieved something meaningful.
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NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Kedarnath Pony Handler's Son Cracks IIT-JAM, Gets Admission At IIT Madras
Atul Kumar, the son of a pony handler from Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, has cleared the IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for Master's) and secured a seat at the prestigious IIT Madras, reports ANI. Atul used to guide ponies and help pilgrims on the steep mountain paths of Kedarnath Dham to support his family. Today, he is set to begin a new chapter at one of India's top engineering institutes. "In the beginning, I didn't even know what IIT was," Atul told ANI. "Growing up, water shortages and lack of awareness kept us from dreaming big. I wasn't interested in engineering until a teacher introduced me to the idea of doing a master's at IIT. That changed everything." Atul worked in Kedarnath during the busy pilgrimage season in June, living in tents without mobile networks. He began preparing for the JAM exam only in July after returning home. His friend Mahavir, who had already prepared for the exam, shared notes and helped him study. From July to January, I studied regularly. The exam was in February, he said. In Kedarnath, Atul helped manage pilgrim travel by arranging ponies, carrying goods, and walking along dangerous routes in difficult weather. Despite the tough conditions, he remained determined. "My biggest motivation was to move ahead in life -- to escape that place and create something better for myself," he said. His father, a pony handler, is the main earner for the family. Atul used to assist him during holidays. His elder sister is married, and his younger sister recently completed her education. Now, with admission secured at IIT Madras, Atul says the response from the community has been overwhelming. "More than my own joy, it was the happiness on others' faces that touched me -- from teachers to people who never even taught me, everyone called to congratulate me," he said. Sharing a message for students from similar backgrounds, Atul said that if his story encourages even a few students to keep going despite hardships, then he has achieved something meaningful.
India.com
9 hours ago
- India.com
From Maharashtra To Tamil Nadu: Maratha Legacy Carries On As India's Historic Forts Gain Global Recognition
photoDetails english 2934226 At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India's official nomination for the 2024-25 cycle, 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They became India's 44th property to receive this recognition. This global recognition highlights India's rich and enduring cultural legacy, reflecting the country's deep-rooted traditions in architecture, regional diversity, and historical continuity. From ancient temples and monuments to colonial-era structures and indigenous design practices, India's architectural heritage tells the story of its evolving identity. Now the recognition of Maratha architecture shows the contribution of the region and era, its unique style, materials, and craftsmanship, creating a legacy that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe on the world stage. Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 08:45 AM IST Maratha Legacy Lives On 1 / 8 According to ANI, spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, this extraordinary network of twelve forts demonstrates the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire. Ministry Of Culture 2 / 8 The proposal was sent for the consideration of the World Heritage Committee in January 2024, and after an eighteen-month-long process involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and a visit of ICOMOS's mission to review the sites, the Ministry of Culture stated. Selected Sites 3 / 8 The selected sites are spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They include: Suvarnadurg, Lohgad, Shivneri, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Vijaydurg, Pratapgad, Panhala, Sindhudurg, and Salher in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Forts Protected Under... 4 / 8 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protection to: Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee fort. Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, protection to: Salher fort, Rajgad, and Khanderi fort, Pratapgarh. Location And Strategy 5 / 8 Located across a range of diverse terrains, from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds. The forts reflect a deep understanding of geography and strategic defence planning. Types Of Forts 6 / 8 Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are situated in hilly terrains and are therefore known as hill forts, as per ANI. Pratapgad, is within dense woods, and is classified as a hill-forest fort. Panhala, located on a plateaued hill, is a hill-plateau fort. Vijaydurg, positioned along the shoreline, is a notable coastal fort, while Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, surrounded by the sea, are recognised as island forts. Maratha Military Landscape 7 / 8 The Maratha Military Landscape of India was nominated under criteria four and six of the list, recognising their exceptional testimony to a living cultural tradition, their architectural and technological significance, and their deep associations with historic events and traditions. The purpose of including these heritage sites in UNESCO's list is to preserve and promote shared heritage based on OUVs (Outstanding Universal Values). Credits 8 / 8 Information Source: ANI All Images: @DrSJaishankar/X
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Seek support
I am doing and would like to do Transportation Design. Which colleges are good for this in India and abroad? Also will scholarships be available? Rohit Dear Rohit, Some of the top colleges for Transportation Design in India are the Industrial Design Centre (IDC) and IIT-Bombay, Mumbai; National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad; MIT Institute of Design (MITID), Pune; World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat; Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai; and Strate School of Design, Bengaluru. Abroad, colleges to consider include Royal College of Art (RCA), London, and Coventry University, Coventry, the U.K.; Umeå Institute of Design (UID), Umeå University, Sweden; Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Torino, and Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD), Milan, Italy; ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, and College for Creative Studies (CCS), Detroit, the U.S.; and Pforzheim University, Pforzheim, Germany. Scholarships depend on the college, academic merit, and portfolio. In India, many design institutes offer scholarships based on merit and the student's financial situation. Industry-sponsored scholarships (Tata Trusts, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships) also offer financial assistance. Check specific admission criteria and websites for such opportunities. I have a 9.2 CGPA in Electronics and Instrumentation but campus placements don't seem to be happening. How can I find a job? Or should I do a Master's? Ramesh Dear Ramesh, Don't get discouraged. Your academic record is strong and, with a focused, proactive job search strategy, you will find a suitable opportunity. Get on online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Freshersworld. Visit websites of companies that you are interested in and look for roles across Automation and Control Systems (e.g., Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, Emerson), Process Industries (Reliance, ONGC, BPCL), Power Generation (NTPC, BHEL), Manufacturing, Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing, Healthcare Instrumentation, Research and Development (ISRO, DRDO, CSIR labs), and Public Sector Undertakings. Keep an eye on their recruitment notifications. Network and build a professional connection with alumni, industry professionals, and recruiters to learn about leads. Attend industry events. Ensure that your resume emphasises relevant technical skills for the role/s that you apply for by highlighting your projects and internship experience. Consider off-campus placements, job fairs and recruitment drives. A Master's depends on your career goals and circumstances. An will help you specialise in a niche area within your domain and enhance your job prospects for certain research-oriented roles thereby leading to a higher earning potential. If you enjoy R&D, you can consider a Ph.D. later. Consider taking the GATE, as it will open doors to programmes in top institutes as well as recruitment in some PSUs. I am a first-year Geography Honours student and want to take the UPSC exams. But between commuting to college and coursework, I am not able to prepare. Sometimes I feel I will not clear the UPSC, that I am just wasting my parents' money, and should just go back home. Please help. Nisha Dear Nisha, You seem overwhelmed between the demands of your coursework and your ambition. The first year is about adjusting to a new academic environment, exploring your subject, and building a strong foundational understanding. You are NOT wasting your parents' money. Your course will help you build a strong foundation and critical thinking skills, which are valuable whether you clear the UPSC in your first attempt or not. UPSC is a marathon, not a sprint. You need sustained and strategic preparation over time. Be true and honest to yourself. How much time does commuting, coursework and other activities? What are your energy levels after college? What is your preparation plan for the UPSC? Are you working on a structured plan or just feeling guilty about not studying enough? A sustainable strategy might help! Prioritise your degree and do well in it. Slowly integrate the UPSC preparation by breaking it down into small, manageable steps into your existing routine. Read the newspaper for at least half an hour every day and focus on understanding current events and their socio-economic and political context. Try to read relevant NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, Polity, Economics. Even a few pages a day will help. Start thinking about potential optional subjects for the UPSC exam. Create a realistic schedule beyond your college commitments and identify small pockets of time for UPSC-related activities. Be realistic about what you can achieve. Try to listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to current affairs or your subjects during your commute. Get enough sleep, eating healthy, and take short breaks lest you burn out. Explore the possibility of a study group where you can connect and study together. Study during free periods at college. Seek support when you feel overwhelmed and communicate these feelings to your parents, mentors, teachers. Discuss your concerns with faculty advisors who may be able to guide you in managing your time. Finally, don't compare your progress with that of others. Everyone's journey is different. I graduated in Agriculture (2024), but don't have the means to start a business. What opportunities do I have? Vijayalakshmi Dear Vijayalakshmi, Many state and central government departments of agriculture recruit graduates for Agricultural Officer or Extension Officer roles. Look for notifications for exams like the Indian Forest Service (IFS). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its various research institutes across India hire scientists and research assistants. Check their websites for vacancies. Public and private sector banks often have Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) positions. Companies like National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) Food Corporation of India (FCI), State Seed Corporations, and others recruit agriculture graduates for various roles. The private sector also has possibilities across agri-input, food processing, retail and agri-business, microfinance and other companies. Update your resume and register on job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialised agricultural job sites. Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or talk to your professors about your job search. Consider an internship with a company or organisation in your field of interest to gain experience and build connections.
