West Bengal: Sarfaraz, a 21-year-old laborer from West Bengal, has become a symbol of perseverance after scoring an impressive 677 out of 720 in the NEET examination. His inspiring journey, featured in viral videos by Physics Wallah (PW), depicts the extraordinary journey of underprivileged students.
In one of the videos, Alakh Pandey, founder of Physics Wallah, praised Sarfaraz’s grit. Highlighting the inequality faced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, he remarked, “Paise ke aabhav mei bhed bhav aa jata hai, ek bacha sheher ke AC room mei baith kar padhai kar raha hai, aur ek bacha yaha pathar baalu utha kar padhai kar raha hai” (Lack of money causes indifference; one student studies in an AC room while another lifts stones to fund their education). Comparing Sarfaraz to a boxer fighting with one hand tied behind his back, Alakh sir said, “Boxing ring ke andar ek aisa boxer hai Sarfaraz jiska ek hath peeche baandh diya hai aur bola jao ladh ke aajao aur uske baad bhi wo jeet kar aajata hai.”
Sarfaraz shared his story and daily-life challenges with Alakh sir, including working as a laborer from 6 AM to 2 PM, lifting 400 bricks daily to support his family and pay his fees. Despite being mocked by people for his circumstances, he remained undeterred. He shared emotionally, “Aas-paas ke log bolte the, itni padhai karne ke baad bhi yeh kaam kar raha hai” (People used to say, despite studying so much, I am still doing manual labor).
Living in a house built under the PM Awas Yojana, Sarfaraz works alongside his father as a laborer in order to support his mother and a younger sibling. Sarfaraz credits his mother’s sacrifices for his success. His mother recalled sitting with him through cold nights in their house which earlier had a roofless top, ensuring his son doesn't catch cold.
Sarfaraz initially dreamed of joining the NDA after 10th grade but was held back by financial constraints. He borrowed a phone from his teacher to access online resources, clearing the NDA’s first phase in 2022. Unfortunately, an accident a month before the final interview ended his chances.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarfaraz purchased a phone with monetary support from the government and shifted his focus to preparing for NEET. Starting with free YouTube videos by Physics Wallah, he later enrolled in their courses when discounts became available.
His path was not without setbacks. After clearing NEET in 2023, Sarfaraz joined a dental college but had to drop out due to the lack of hostel facilities and insufficient funds to cover daily expenses. Despite such obstacles, he worked harder and cleared NEET 2024, securing admission to Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College in Kolkata. Sarfaraz studied for NEET from a phone with a cracked screen.
Sarfaraz’s story moved Alakh Pandey, who extended significant support by gifting him a new phone and providing INR 5 lakh as financial assistance for his education. Alakh sir emphasized, “Ye paise tohfa nahi, loan hai. Isko future mein kisi dusre zaruratmand Sarfaraz ki madad karke lautana hai” (This is not a gift but a loan; repay it by helping another needy student in the future).
Today Sarfaraz is a beacon of hope for his fellow villagers, a source of inspiration and guidance for younger children, exemplifying how determination, combined with support and opportunity, can overcome even the harshest circumstances.