Lucknow:

A farmer’s son, Sumit Kumar, who bagged a gold medal for securing highest marks in agricultural engineering in APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University is an example to prove no dream is too big.

A native of Jahangirabad in UP’s Bulandshahr, Kumar pursued his engineering from Aligarh College of Engineering and Technology. Since he couldn’t afford the hostel fees, he lived in a small rented room, near the college. “Living near the college saved my traveling expenses,” said Sumit.

“It’s a moment to celebrate as my parents’ dream has come true. My father always encouraged me to study agricultural engineering and help farmers who are in an extremely poor condition,” said Sumit, who now aims to pursue MTech from IIT and then get into research. Sumit’s father Anil Kumar, a class X drop-out, took a loan to fund his son’s education. “My father could only manage to pay fees for the first year. He borrowed to fund rest of my education,” said Sumit, who is looking for a scholarship for his MTech course. Sumit’s mother Rajesh Devi is uneducated.

With a meager income of Rs 8,000 per month, it was a challenge for Anil to educate his two sons. “Because of climate change, we have lost 70% of our crops. We don’t have grains even for our consumption and will have to purchase from others,” said Anil. Living in a one-room semi-pucca house in Bulandshahr, Sumit completed his class X and XII from UP board in Jahangirabad. He secured 62% in class X and 75% in class XII.

On the occasion, governor Ram Naik, Chancellor of state universities, appreciated the Indian outfit worn by the students. “The caps attached to the black gowns caused inconvenience in receiving the medals. The Indian dress looks good and is comfortable,” said Naik.

The university also conferred honoris causa on ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / January 24th, 2016