Kamal Ghorui
In Lakhimpur Kheri’s Dhaurahra tehsil, where many families continue to live on embankments after losing land to river erosion, a quiet success story has emerged. Uma Shankar Jaiswal, a Class 12 student from the area, has topped the district in the Uttar Pradesh Board Intermediate examination. His achievement stands out not just for the marks, but for the conditions he studied in.Uma Shankar’s family had to leave their home after the Ghagra river eroded their land. They now live in a makeshift hut on an embankment in Ramnagar Bagha village, nearly 60 kilometres from the district headquarters. With no access to smartphones or television and limited resources, daily life remained difficult. Despite this, he stayed focused on his studies.A student of a school in the Nainapur area, Uma Shankar scored 93% in the science stream and secured the top position in the district merit list. His preparation relied on consistency and routine rather than access to digital tools.His result brought attention from the district administration. According to news agency PTI, district magistrate Anjani Kumar Singh visited his home to congratulate him. Sitting with the family inside their small dwelling, the officer honoured Uma Shankar with a garland and gifts.During the visit, Uma Shankar spoke about his plans ahead. He said he wanted to become an engineer. He also shared that he enjoyed writing poems and ghazals in his free time.The district magistrate assured him of support for future competitive exams. He also appreciated the role of Uma Shankar’s family, his father Bhagauti Prasad, mother Kamna, and elder brother Om Prakash, for encouraging him through difficult circumstances.
