Sarfaraz, a 21-year-old laborer from West Bengal, has become a beacon of inspiration after achieving an impressive score of 677 out of 720 in the NEET 2024 exam. His remarkable story has moved millions, especially after being shared by Alakh Pandey, the founder of Physics Wallah, through viral Instagram videos. From working as a daily wage laborer to securing a place at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College in Kolkata, Sarfaraz’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination.
Sarfaraz’s path was far from easy. Growing up in a house built under the PM Awas Yojana, he worked alongside his father to support his family. Despite facing numerous hardships, including a roofless home, Sarfaraz never gave up on his dream of becoming a doctor. His mother, deeply concerned for his health, often sat with him during the cold nights to ensure he could study without falling ill.
Throughout his life, Sarfaraz faced ridicule from people around him. Despite dedicating countless hours to his studies, many mocked him for continuing to work as a labourer. "People around me would say, 'Even after all that studying, you’re still doing this work,'" he shared emotionally, reflecting on the societal stigma he had to endure.
The turning point in Sarfaraz's life came during the Covid-19 pandemic. With government assistance, he was able to purchase a phone, which he used to study through YouTube videos by Physics Wallah. Determined to make the most of every opportunity, he even used a phone with a broken screen to access educational content. Sarfaraz enrolled in a Physics Wallah course after patiently waiting for discounts, utilizing every available resource to further his education.
In 2023, Sarfaraz enrolled in a dental college, but due to financial constraints, he had to drop out. However, his resolve only strengthened, and he reattempted NEET in 2024, ultimately achieving success.
Sarfaraz’s hard work and perseverance did not go unnoticed. Alakh Pandey, deeply moved by his story, extended support by gifting him a new phone and offering INR 5 lakh to cover his college fees. Alakh Pandey, however, made it clear that the INR 5 lakh was not a gift but a loan, urging Sarfaraz to repay it in the future by helping others in need, just as he had been helped. "This INR 5 lakh is not a gift, but a oan. You must repay it by helping someone else in the future," Alakh said.
Sarfaraz’s success has not only made him a symbol of resilience but also an inspiration to his village. Once seen as an ordinary laborer, he now stands as a beacon of hope for others. He actively mentors younger students in his village, teaching them that no dream is too big if pursued with hard work and determination.
Sarfaraz's incredible story has struck a deep chord across India. His videos, shared by Alakh Pandey, have collectively garnered over 25 million views.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sruthi Suresh/MSM)