Rehman has been a curious student
since I have known him for about 4 years now, his mother works at our house and
has been working hard for a purpose - to make her son something worthwhile in
life. she herself has only one anguish in her heart, that she came from a poor
family which could not afford to pay for her education - she is educated up
till class 8th.
A victim of early marriage
followed by motherhood, Fatima as she likes to be called, has been doing maid
work in our block for about a decade. On a sudden day, she talks to us about
her elder son - Rehman, who is a good student and studies in class 8th - He has
been a class topper and wants to be a doctor in life. Her son is a matter of
pride to the family - consisting of 3 younger sisters who are mediocre in their
studious pursuit. Two years hence, I had an opportunity to share time with
Rehman and make him go through Science and Math’s lessons on Saturday’s and
Sunday’s - the time we shared turned out to be a phenomena of sorts - Rehman
turned out to be a real concept grasper - he could memorize equations and
mathematical tricks in quick succession. For him, he used technology to his
pursuit – mobile phone was a virtual tutor for him – quite unlike many kids I
see loitering around with gadgetry and pondering over useless stuff. He has no
flavor for being well dressed – a simple T-shirt and jeans along with slippers
is all he wants to look comfortable – his only greed was knowledge and books!
Our talks started to compose
towards concept of higher education and about challenges which such downtrodden
students face during their educational journey - though the government is doing
its best to have 'Prized Catch' students who secure good grades in class but
considering the extra investment higher education needs, it is far beyond the
economic reach of such class of society and thus it creates a vacuum for such
students.
Nevertheless,I knew Rehman is
class apart and would do well in his 10th Board exams - he didn’t let me down,
took science and also was able to convince his mother to enroll him for a
pre-medical tuition institute ( with great difficulty she did - borrowing money
from close acquaintances and also taking advances from all and sundry).
The result paid off - Rehman has done wonders in his
12th class by securing 92% marks and is all confident in taking up NEET this
year - A chance conversation on phone with the lad made me think of the reminiscent
4 years since I met him. He was all a visionary and had a single minded aim of
being a doctor - I guess, he has been heard and all of his efforts and
dedication towards his aim has started to pay off. As we draw towards the end
of our communication - Rehman assured me of one thing - 'Bhaiya, I will meet
you next time when I shall be able to secure a Medical Seat in College and on
the way of becoming a doctor!".
His resolve resounds of his grit and gumption and sets an example for all of us - Hard work pays - Rehman - I just want to say Good luck buddy and keep your head up to face any adversary - you are the chosen one – next time we meet , I want to see you wearing a doctor's apron next time we meet and I address you not as Rehman but Dr Rehman.....!!!
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