The youth of the country is the future of our nation. Many talented and hardworking children do not get the opportunity to pursue their dreams because they lack the resources. Today’s inspiring story is about Shubham Rathore, a boy who worked as a child laborer and later became an engineer as an adult.
Difficulties Faced By Shubham Rathore
When Shubham Rathore was 13 years old, he lived in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. He was forced to migrate to Pratapgarh in Rajasthan due to his family’s weak financial condition. To support his family, he started working as a helper in a restaurant. Shubham Rathore was rescued by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the organization founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and the local police. He was brought to Bal Ashram, and he began his education informally for three months and was enrolled in a local government school.
Shubham learned about his rights as a citizen of India learned to fight and raise his voice against the exploitation of children. He also heard the inspiring story of others who achieved a lot through their hard work. The inspiring story of other people who had gone through hard times themselves made him realize his dreams.
Becoming An Engineer
He remembers that it was Kailash Satyarthi Ji to made him realize the importance of dreams. The inspiring case examples of others greatly influenced him. It was then he understood that having a purpose in life and working hard to fulfill it is extremely important.
During his graduation, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming an electrical engineer. Shubham mentioned, “I was very active during my college years. I took part in most of the activities and took up as many opportunities as I could. My college years helped me to mold myself and do my best. I honed my leadership skills. I wanted my journey to be an inspiring story for others. Even I got motivated when I heard the inspiring story of others.”
Shubham Rathore, with his team in college, approached the college administration and got their support in providing free tuition to children living in the village nearby.
Making A Difference
He also got an opportunity to go to Jordan and address the ‘Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit. He urged everyone including, Nobel laureates, business leaders, and eminent world politicians, to ensure the implementation of child rights with a zero-tolerance approach. He even shared his inspiring story and struggles.
While working with Power Grid Corporation of India as an Associate Engineer, he learned how business organizations and their management teams operate and it has helped him with his professional and business management skills.
Youth Fellowship of Ashoka University
Shubham Rathore applied for the Young India Youth Fellowship of Ashoka University and even got selected for it. When he got selected, many youngsters were influenced by his inspiring story. He applied for this to study further with a well-rounded multidisciplinary approach and enhance his leadership skills. He believes that the course will contribute immensely to his work and commitment to various social causes. Additionally, it will also help him engage deeply and constructively in advocating for child-friendly policies to elicit sustainable and grassroots-level change in society. His inspiring story will motivate other people in tough circumstances to work hard.
Shubham’s Vision
Shubham mentioned, “The fellowship will help me share my journey of being an advocate for child rights after being freed from child slavery at the age of 13 and contribute through my diverse experiences.”
He believes that through the fellowship he will get a chance to learn from his professors and batchmates as well. Ultimately, it will help him reach his goal – help the ones in need and motivate others through his inspiring story.
Hard work, determination, and the availability of opportunities can change the lives of every child. The story of Shubham Rathore is a perfect example. We hope his inspiring story will motivate others. Mad4India wishes him the best in all his future endeavors!
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