Guard who cracked JNU's entrance exam, wants to become IAS-officer
What's the story
Ramjal Meena (34), a security guard at the Jawaharlal Nehru University for the last five years, has cracked the varsity's entrance examination.
Meena already has a BA degree in Political Science from Rajasthan University and is pursuing MA from the same university.
He now plans to pursue BA (Honors) in the Russian language from JNU.
Here are more details.
Details
Meena worked at JNU since 2014; inspired by teachers, students
Meena, who has three daughters, hails from Bhajera village of Karauli district in Rajasthan.
He told NDTV, "I saw the educational environment here when I started working in November 2014. Then started thinking about joining the varsity as a student," adding JNU students helped him with the study material.
"I used to engage with students and professors from the campus. Everyone here encouraged me."
Preparation
Here's how Meena prepared for the entrance exam
Further, speaking to The Indian Express, Meena said that he used to read the newspapers daily to crack the JNU entrance examination.
He said, "I followed several tutorial videos and mobile-based news apps. Even if I used to get 15 minutes of time, I tried focusing on studies."
Meena also referred to competitive exam books and practised question bank of the last five years.
Quote
Meena says he is curious to understand Russian culture
When questioned about his choice of program, Meena said, "It is only through learning a language, you understand a country's culture. I am curious to know more about Russia's literature, food and wish to explore it. This would be knowledgeable."
Complications
But Meena, the sole breadwinner, cannot leave his job
However, Meena remains unsure if he would be able to join the course considering he needs to keep his job as he is the sole breadwinner in the family.
"I also support my parents. I'd like to study and can continue to take up night shifts and continue my jobs as a security guard here; but only if the varsity allows," he said.
History
Despite financial struggles, he continued educating himself
Earlier, Meena had enrolled in a BSc course from Rajasthan University but had to drop out due to financial troubles.
He started working as a security guard and "made sure to learn from whichever source possible," so he kept educating himself through books and newspapers.
In 2006, he finally enrolled at the University again through distance learning and completed his BA.
Future
Meena wants to serve country; preparing for UPSC next
Meena told NDTV that he hopes to find a job at an embassy or as a translator after finishing the JNU course.
Additionally, he is also preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam. "I want to serve my country in best of my capabilities."
He also hopes to provide his daughters with quality education. They currently study at a government school in Munirka.