Last Updated: November 28, 2023, 11:06 IST
He currently earns Rs 5,000 per month as a security guard. (Representative Image)
The 56-year-old passed his MSc (Math) exam after 25 years of dedication and 23 unsuccessful attempts.
In a remarkable tale of determination and perseverance, a 56-year-old man, who works as a security guard, achieved a milestone by clearing his MSc (Maths) exam after 25 years. Rajkaran Baraua failed to pass the exam 23 times. His story serves as an inspiring example of never giving up on one’s dreams.
Despite grappling with a lack of family support, financial constraints, and unstable employment, Rajkaran Baraua clung to his passion for mathematics. Juggling double shifts as a security guard and undertaking various odd jobs, he confronted a myriad of challenges on his journey towards earning a master’s degree. His path was far from easy. He encountered failures, financial struggles, and even the scepticism of those around him, according to a report by Times Of India. Nevertheless, he remained determined.
The turning point came in 2021 when Rajkaran finally succeeded in passing his MSc exam. “But I could only celebrate behind closed doors. I jumped and gave myself a high five. But I couldn’t go out and tell anyone because my employers used to taunt their children by giving my example. They would say look at his determination and how hard he is studying at this age. I didn’t want to embarrass them so I celebrated quietly and kept it to myself,” Rajkaran Baraua told Times Of India. “Now I have quit that job, so I can tell people,” he added.
Over the years, Rajkaran Baraua’s story gained attention, especially after a report on him was published in 2015 by Times Of India. The recognition and encouragement he received from the public and media served as a significant motivator during the times of his struggle. He said, “I had failed in my 18th attempt and was feeling low, but once the report was published, people started seeing me differently. TV channels came looking for me. It was a huge dose of motivation.”
Despite currently earning Rs 5,000 per month as a security guard, Rajkaran Baraua supplements his income by working as a help at a bungalow, earning food and shelter. He shared the financial challenges, stating, “I can barely make a living, but over the last 25 years, I believe I spent Rs 2 lakh on books, exam fees, and related expenses to get this MSc maths degree.”
He further added, “All I ever wanted was to pass this examination and be called a postgraduate in mathematics.” When asked about his decision not to marry, Rajkaran humorously replied, “Who would have married me? Besides, I was married to my dream.”
He has a double Masters degree. He received his MA in 1996. “In 1997, I appeared in my first MSc examination and failed. For the next 10 years, I would pass only one of the five subjects, but never gave up. I didn’t bother about what people said and focused on my dream. Then, I began passing in two. Finally, in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I passed my first-year examination and in 2021 I cleared the second year as well. I was elated,” he said.
Rajkaran Baraua highlighted the importance of effort and patience in overcoming challenges. His remarkable journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for anyone facing obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams.
