Despite such adversities, Sanjeev passed the School Leaving Certificate examinations this year with distinction marks (80.12%) from the government-run Bhanu Higher Secondary School. He is now ploughing other’s field as daily wage worker to earn money for his further studies. “I have been earning Rs 500 a day,” he said, adding that he plans to earn as much as possible before he joins a college.

Sanjeev had started his schooling at Himali Primary School in Dharampur-5 but could not continue after the second grade as his father Rajkumar fell ill and the family could not buy him stationery and uniform.

With no option left, Sanjeev pleaded with his uncle in Illam to help him continue studies. He was then admitted to the Pungphung Primary School in Mangalbare as a third grader. However, he had to return home to support his family and while he was studying in grade five at the Dharampur-based school, he father passed away. Despite all odds, he completed primary level studies and then moved to Bhanu School for the secondary level.

While studying in grade seven, his mother married with another man. “There was no one to help us after she left us,” he remembered. “And then, we started living at uncle’s house.”

Sanjeev said he left school for a year as could not afford admission fee to join grade eight. “I resumed studies only after Headmaster Dam Kumar Kunwar admitted me free of cost the following year,” he said.

He said he used to study under the kerosene lamp till 10pm and get up at 3am every day. Besides studies, he also had to plough farmland, cut fodder and graze cattle, among others. Still, he stood first in grade 10.

His uncle Buddhiraj said Sanjeev wants to study Science in college if he is able to manage funds. “I have a dream of becoming a doctor one day,” Sanjeev said, adding that he wants to help poor people after completing his studies.