Yogeshwari Selvam, a determined young woman from a humble background in rural Tamil Nadu, has defied expectations and secured a place to study aerospace engineering at the prestigious IIT-Bombay. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the transformative power of education, highlighting how government initiatives can uplift students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Yogeshwari hails from Padanthal, a village in the Virudhunagar district. Her father earns a living working at a tea stall, while her mother is employed in a fireworks unit. Despite facing financial constraints, Yogeshwari's parents prioritized education, ensuring that she and her two elder brothers had the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations. While her brothers completed their college education, Yogeshwari set her sights even higher, fueled by a passion for aerospace engineering that ignited in Class VII.
Though she was not an exceptional student, Yogeshwari's determination grew stronger over the years. She studied in Tamil-medium and only became aware of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) during a session under the Tamil Nadu government's Naan Mudhalvan scheme in Class XII. The Naan Mudhalvan scheme aims to guide students in Classes 11 and 12 and in college, offering support to help them pursue higher education and job opportunities.
Yogeshwari credits the Naan Mudhalvan scheme with opening her eyes to the possibilities that lay ahead. "We were told that working a little harder would help us give wings to our dreams. Getting into larger institutions like IIT would be a big leap towards realising those dreams," she said. She also drew inspiration from attending the 'Coffee with Collector' program, where she interacted with Virudhunagar Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan.
Remarkably, Yogeshwari cracked the JEE (Advanced) on her first attempt without relying on private coaching. She was among 230 students from government schools selected for special coaching under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme. An education expert from Virudhunagar Educational Trust recognized her potential in mathematics, paving the way for her to receive focused training. Initially, her parents were hesitant to send her for the 40-day training program in Erode after her Plus-Two exams. However, recognizing the opportunity it presented, they mustered the courage to support her aspirations.
Her success has been widely celebrated. Virudhunagar Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan honored Yogeshwari for her achievement, recognizing her 75th rank in the differently-abled category under the non-creamy layer of the Other Backward Classes community. The Collector also provided financial assistance and assured her that the state government would cover her educational expenses at IIT.
Yogeshwari's story is not unique. A. Rajeshwari, another student from a humble background and the first from her tribal community in the Kalvarayan Hills to gain admission to an IIT, also aspires to study aerospace engineering, potentially at IIT Madras or IIT Bombay. Similarly, Rohini, a tribal girl from Tiruchirappalli, worked as a daily wager while preparing for the JEE and secured admission to NIT Trichy. These stories underscore the potential within marginalized communities and the importance of providing opportunities for them to excel.
Yogeshwari's journey exemplifies the transformative impact of education and the power of perseverance. Overcoming financial hardship and limited access to resources, she has carved a path towards a brighter future, fueled by her passion and supported by government initiatives. Her success serves as an inspiration to countless other students from similar backgrounds, proving that with determination and the right support, dreams can indeed take flight.
