Hanjala, who had to struggle to pay his school fee, is now in IIT Delhi

Hanjala Shafi, a boy from Begu Sarai district of Bihar, is in the second year of IIT Delhi today. His story may not be rags-to-riches story yet but it is still inspirational for those who want to fulfill their dreams of being an IITian.

Hanjala’s father works at a shoe shop and earns less than Rs 3,000 per month. Despite his son’s dedication to his studies and his intelligence, he was not being able to help him fulfill his potential.

Hanjala’s school life

Hanjala was admitted to a government school but teachers were irregularly and it got shut down eventually. His bua (paternal aunt) started working in a private school to help with the family finances. After Hanjala’s persistent requests, she got him admitted to her school and paid his school fee. She got married 3-4 years later and the school expelled Hanjala on non-payment of fee.

Javed Sir, one of the teachers in the school, stepped up to help the bright boy and saved the day. He agreed to pay his fees and asked him to concentrate on his studies. Hanjala did just that. He had to often go out of his 1-room overcrowded home to be able to study in peace but he managed to clear Class 10 with good marks and decided to become an engineer.

Super 30

Hanjala had heard about Super 30. He and his mother Yasmin went to Patna to seek admission there. But they were defrauded by a similar sounding institute which asked them for the fees. Yasmin sold the meager jewellery she had – only to find out later that this is not the Super 30 they were looking for.

Hanjala managed to clear his Class 12 board exams but could not get into engineering.

In 2013, they met the founder of the original Super 30 – Anand Kumar – and told him his story. Moved by their plight and impressed by the performance of Hanjala, he was admitted in the batch preparing for IITs. On the occasion of Eid, the only two Muslim kids were allowed to go home but they opted to celebrated it with their mentor and friends at the institute itself.

The hard work paid and Hanjala got through the IIT entrance exam with a good rank. His mother Yasmin cried once more but these were the tears of happiness – the biggest gift a son could give to his mother.