Chetan Kumar K: A champion in the Making

Chetan Kumar K

Passed Grade 10 with 92%

Government Junior College (High School Section)

 Peenya , Bangalore

Chetan has been working hard during his vacation. Working as a carpentry helper, he earns INR 250 a day. He says, “I don’t want to be a burden to my family. I want to ensure that I can pay the college application and the admission fee.”

 In spite of scoring 92% at the Karnataka State Board SSLC examinations he is disappointed. Chetan says, “I expected over 95%, I am planning to apply for revaluation.” His parents are proud of his achievement, but aren’t too happy about his future as he plans to pursue his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Chetan says, “Due to financial constraints I am planning to do the diploma, get a job and then probably fund my higher education in engineering.” The conversation reveals that Chetan’s primary concern to support the family and at the same time take care of his own education. 

Helping one another, the family of four tries hard to ensure the family’s monthly expenses is met. Chetan’s father works in a private firm. He supplements the earning by selling subscriptions of a private cell operator. His mother is a home maker but pitches in by taking up tailoring jobs at home. Chetan works whenever he gets time. The sixteen-year-old who is known for his brilliant academic record has children from the neighborhood coming to him to learn lessons. Chetan says, “I teach my sister’s friends who come home.”

“Teachers at the Government Junior College (High School Section) were excellent. They have put in a lot of effort and that shows in our result. Most of us have performed well. Actually we can achieve much more,” says Chetan. Additionally the mid day meal helped students played a vital role in achieving the exemplary result, he says, “We would be tired and hungry by noon, the mid day meal which was nutritious and filling helped us. We could concentrate much better on the lessons after the lunch hour.”

A number of gold-coloured trophies and medals adorn a small section of the mud wall at his home. Chetan is a good volley-ball player and represented the school at various sports meet.  Chetan is surely a champion at all levels: Excellent at academics and co-curricular activities and a responsible future citizen.