21-year-old laborer defies odds earning Rs 300 a day, achieves NEET success. PhysicsWallah’s Alakh Pandey Steps In
21-year-old laborer defies odds earning Rs 300 a day, achieves NEET success. PhysicsWallah's Alakh Pandey Steps In
A 21-year-old daily wage worker, earning only Rs 300 a day, has successfully cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 with an impressive score of 677 out of 720. Sarfaraz’s inspiring journey gained widespread attention through a viral video by Alakh Pandey, the founder of PhysicsWallah, resonating with millions in India and highlighting the strength of determination and hope in the face of challenges.
Hailing from West Bengal, Sarfaraz spent the last two years lifting 400 bricks each day to support his family while chasing his dream of becoming a doctor. Despite facing financial struggles and social stigma, he managed to work from 6 AM to 2 PM before dedicating time to his studies.
His mother often sacrificed her sleep to ensure he could study during the chilly nights in their humble home, built under the PM Awas Yojana. Reflecting on her sacrifices, she shared, “Our house had no roof, and I stayed up with him all night to make sure he didn’t feel cold while studying.”
Her sacrifices were rewarded when Sarfaraz secured a place at the esteemed Nil Ratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College in Kolkata. Sarfaraz’s aspiration to join the NDA after Class 10 was thwarted by financial difficulties and a life-altering accident. However, during the pandemic, the support from the government allowed him to buy a phone, which became a pivotal moment. He began preparing for NEET using free YouTube videos created by Alakh Pandey and later enrolled in a PhysicsWallah course during a promotional offer.
Despite having a broken phone screen, Sarfaraz persevered. His first attempt led him to enroll in a dental college, but the absence of hostel facilities forced him to leave. Determined not to give up, he tried again in 2024 and achieved success. Moved by Sarfaraz’s story, Pandey visited his home to offer support. He gifted Sarfaraz a new phone, provided Rs 5 lakh as a repayable loan for his education, and pledged to cover his college fees. Pandey’s kindness has garnered widespread admiration, with the viral video accumulating over 10.6 million views and 1.2 million likes.
Pandey emphasized, “This Rs 5 lakh is not a gift but a loan. Repay it by helping another Sarfaraz in the future.”
Sarfaraz’s journey has become a beacon of hope for his village, inspiring him to guide younger children towards the importance of education.
