Khushboo Kumari, a Fellow of the BYJU’S Fellowship Program, is ensuring that the JEE and NEET aspirants of Guna, Madhya Pradesh, can realise their dreams.
Guna, a hamlet nestled in the state of Madhya Pradesh along the banks of the Parbati river, stands out for its breathtaking views. However, the aspirational district still has a long way to go when it comes to education.
According to the 2011 Census of India, Guna’s literacy rate is 80%, with men having a literacy rate of about 87% and women 79%.1 The Madhya Pradesh (MP) government has initiated several projects to improve the state of education. However, there are still a significant number of challenges when it comes to education.
‘While the urban sections of the state are well-developed, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and access to basic sanitation remain dominant in most rural areas, including Guna,’ shares Khushboo Kumari, Fellow, BYJU’S Fellowship Program.
She says, ‘On one hand, there are stunning natural places such as Hanuman Tekri, mini Kedarnath waterfalls, canals, high range mountains and other attractions such as large showrooms, great cafés, fast food corners and so on. When we flip the coin, we observe a deeply ingrained caste system, inequity and hope in people’s eyes for a positive change.’
Khushboo Kumari at a session with the children
Through the BYJU’S Fellowship Program, Khushboo Kumari has been going to different parts of Guna to help the JEE and NEET aspirants in the village. These students who cannot afford additional coaching or supplementary education for the competitive exams are being supported by the BYJU’S Career Plus programme in association with the NITI Aayog.
She shares, ‘Through this programme, I can contribute to the part of someone who aspires to be a doctor or an engineer. Education is a right, and no one should be denied an education just because they cannot afford it. We are living in the unfortunate reality that only the wealthy can now afford a proper education. Through this programme, we can also include the underserved and contribute to their success.’
For the longest time, Khushboo has been working for society, especially in terms of education.
‘Education is the most important tool for changing communities and attitudes. The education sector has always piqued my interest at various times. I have taught children in my locality and have also worked in an NGO, working in the field of education.’
Khushboo along with the students at a tablet distribution event
A set timetable doesn’t define Khushboo’s day. From interacting with students to meeting with government officials, her work is spread across an array of tasks.
‘It may be a little laid-back on some days and extremely intense on others, when you have to communicate with more than 40 students and their parents on a regular basis. I occasionally also have to visit the collectorate office to speak with officials and execute my responsibilities. Additionally, there are also days when I simply have to manage everything by working from home,’ Khushboo says.
Since Guna is a Hindi-speaking district and most of the students are from the state board, students need help to get the hang of the English language, so there are language barriers as well. Despite these hurdles, Khushboo is trying to put in the best effort to ensure that these students can grasp and keep up with the classes.
‘In India, most parents want their children to become doctors or engineers for several reasons. So, the students are under a lot greater pressure to perform well in exams. In this competitive environment, I can be their best mentor, ensuring that they don’t get demoralised and continue to learn and improve. I hope to do my best and recommend the best feasible solutions for them,’ she says.
‘However, the major challenge is that students are not coming to the centre regularly because of their exams, as they live far away from the centre. But I’m trying to do my best and motivate them by conducting regular motivational sessions with them, in addition to workshops like public speaking, personality development, brain games, etc. that come in handy for motivation purposes,’ she adds.
Khushboo strongly believes we can make a difference by taking minimal steps towards a noble cause. Through the BYJU’S Fellowship Program, Khushboo and her peers continue to support children and ensure that the lack of educational accessibility is removed from their lives.
Sources:
1. “Guna City Population Census 2011-2023 | Madhya Pradesh.” Population Census 2011, https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/310-guna.html. Accessed 28 March 2023.
Read more about our BYJU’S Education for All initiative here.
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Let’s help children chase their dreams with the power of quality education!
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