From failing semesters to a dream salary: How this Indian graduate broke the cycle of mediocrity

For many young Indians, the path to a successful career is far from straightforward, especially when financial constraints and family responsibilities loom large. A recent Reddit post has captured nationwide attention, chronicling the journey of a student from a small town in Punjab who turned immense challenges into career success.

The individual, who grew up in Rupnagar, Punjab, and studied in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Pojewal, Nawanshahr from 8th to 10th grade, came from humble beginnings. “I always knew I wasn’t born into a rich family, so I had to manage everything on my own,” he wrote, recalling his early awareness of financial constraints. His father, originally from Bihar, settled in Punjab in the 1970s, working in a manufacturing company and building a modest home on 50 gaj of land.

Navigating Personal Loss and Financial Strain
Life took a harsh turn in 2017 when the student lost his father during his first year of B.Tech in Computer Science. “That was a very cold and dark moment for me. No one was there to guide me, but my mom was always there—and still is,” he reflected. At that time, the family relied heavily on his father’s pension, making finances a constant source of concern.

Academic Struggles and the Road Less Taken
College presented its own challenges. With little guidance, he often treated studies casually, resulting in 12 backlogs in his 6th semester. “I had no idea about jobs or earning for my family. I had just passed out and didn’t even know about programming,” he admitted. Fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic allowed him to pass his remaining exams from home, marking a crucial turning point in his academic journey.

Learning, Upgrading, and Finding a Career Path
During a two-year break after his 12th grade, he started a YouTube channel, Sahani Technicals, which began earning him some income. Later, with the mentorship of a friend, he learned programming in Python. “I worked for him for 6 months, learning Python—not as a pro, but enough to start,” he wrote.

His first job at TCS brought a modest salary of ₹21,000 per month. “I thought this was the end of my struggle,” he noted, but he soon realized it wasn’t enough to cover living and family expenses. Determined to improve, he completed a Python course, joined a startup with a 9 LPA package, and after months of preparation and 21 interviews, finally secured an 18.5 LPA role.


Support Systems Along the Way
Throughout his journey, support from family and friends proved crucial. His brother, already established in IT, helped pay college fees and offered guidance. Friends like Bhavnish Aggarwal mentored him in programming and freelancing. “Even today, whenever I need money for bills or something, he helps me a lot,” he wrote, highlighting the importance of a support system.

A Story of Persistence and Resilience
The Reddit post emphasizes not just the hardships of small-town students, but also their remarkable resilience. Despite setbacks, financial difficulties, and personal loss, he demonstrated unwavering determination. “I was a below-average guy, never passed any semester fully, never thought about jobs, had no support — still, I reached here. If I can do it, you can too,” he wrote, offering encouragement to others in similar circumstances.

Lessons in Determination
This story is a testament to the power of persistence, self-learning, and family support. His journey demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, consistent effort, guidance from mentors, and resilience can pave the way for success. For readers, it serves as a reminder: with determination and hard work, challenges can become stepping stones toward achieving one’s dreams.