Defying Odds: How Aniruddha Roy Rose Above Poverty to Become a Success Story
Kolkata (West Bengal), [India], May 27, 2024: At the heart of Kolkata, a young boy named Aniruddha Roy faced unimaginable challenges from the very beginning. Raised in a single-room home in the slum area, his family had to evacuate during the monsoon season, seeking shelter at a nearby railway station – a stark contrast to the comfort and stability most children enjoy. Yet, amidst these daunting circumstances, Aniruddha’s parents instilled in him a profound appreciation for education, recognising it as the catalyst for a better future.
Their staunch belief in the transformative power of knowledge was a guiding light, as Aniruddha defied all odds and emerged as a shining star in his academic pursuits. In Class 12, he topped his school and Kolkata, securing an impressive fourth rank in West Bengal. This remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious Rashtriya Purashkar Award in 2014, a testament to his relentless dedication and hunger for learning.
However, Aniruddha’s journey was far from over. Despite cracking the highly competitive JEE exam, financial constraints were a formidable barrier, preventing him from pursuing his dreams at the prestigious IITs and NITs. Undeterred, he enrolled at Jadavpur University, relying on scholarships and stipends to fuel his academic ambitions.
From an early age, Aniruddha identified the profound respect accorded to teachers, a realisation that ignited his passion for imparting knowledge. His mother, a teacher herself, and his father served as a constant inspiration, reinforcing the noble pursuit of educating others. To support himself and contribute to his family’s financial well-being, Aniruddha embraced teaching, finding solace and motivation in sharing his knowledge with others.
Life, however, had more challenges in store for the resilient young man. In his first year of college, Aniruddha’s world was shattered when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Utilising every ounce of his determination, he poured his resources into her treatment, only to face the devastating loss of his beloved mother just a few months later.
Consumed by grief and depression, Aniruddha’s academic performance suffered. But it was the very act of teaching that served as his lifeline, reigniting his passion and propelling him forward.
Aniruddha’s spirit and commitment to excellence ultimately earned him a coveted spot at IIT Bombay’s Master’s program, where he continued to hone his skills and share his knowledge with others. His exceptional teaching abilities soon caught the attention of renowned institutions like BYJU’s, Unacademy, ACE, The GATE Academy, and GATEFORUM. In these institutes, he served as a faculty member, inspiring countless students to pursue their dreams in civil and environmental engineering.
Recognising the power of technology to democratise education, Aniruddha embarked on a visionary journey, launching his YouTube channel, “The Civil Guruji.” This online platform quickly became a haven for aspiring civil and environmental engineers, offering comprehensive learning resources, exam tips, and even live counselling sessions. With his remarkable ability to explain complex concepts lucidly and engagingly, Aniruddha’s channel has empowered students across India, transcending geographical and socioeconomic boundaries.
Today, Aniruddha Roy embodies hope and inspiration, having secured a position in the Ministry of Coal through the GATE examination, earning an All India rank 27. Yet, his passion for teaching remains undiminished as he continues to dedicate his time and efforts to empowering underprivileged students, offering free tuition and guidance, both through his YouTube channel and in-person initiatives.
With a vision to support cancer patients and students from slum communities, Aniruddha’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams know no boundaries when fueled by resilience, perseverance, and a rock-solid commitment to one’s goals. His remarkable story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, inspiring generations to come and proving that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome through sheer determination and a deep-rooted passion for education.
