A Historic Triumph in Nizampur: Ram Keval Becomes the First Class 10 Graduate in His Village Since Independence

In a moment that will be etched into the history of Nizampur village, 15-year-old Ram Keval has become the first student to pass Class 10 since India’s independence. This small, remote village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, has long battled deep-rooted social and educational challenges. But through unwavering grit and determination, Ram Keval’s Nizampur story has become a powerful symbol of transformation, not just for his family, but for an entire generation.
Breaking Barriers in Rural India
Nizampur, home to nearly 300 residents, is predominantly inhabited by the Dalit community and has faced significant socio-economic hardships, including limited access to education, poverty, and a scarcity of role models. In such a setting, Ram Keval’s Class 10 board exam success is nothing short of revolutionary. He is not just a student who cracked an exam—he is a trailblazer who shattered a glass ceiling looming over his village for over seven decades.
A Journey Fueled by Resilience and a Solar Lamp
Despite being the eldest of four siblings, Ram took on odd jobs to support his family—most notably, working during wedding processions, carrying lighting equipment, and earning ₹250 to ₹300 a day. After long hours of physical labor, he would return home and study under a solar lamp, often until midnight.
“People used to mock me, saying I’d never pass high school,” he shared. “But I believed I would prove them wrong.” His solar lamp study story is now widely shared as a beacon of hope for rural students across India.
A Family's Unbreakable Faith
Ram Keval’s success is deeply rooted in his parents' unwavering support. His mother Pushpa, a school cook who studied only until Class 5, proudly said, “We may not have much, but I’ve always wanted my children to be educated.” His father, Jagdish, a daily wage laborer, added, “I couldn’t study, but I told my son, no matter what, he must.”
Together, their belief helped a Dalit boy become the first Class 10 graduate in the village, igniting hope that transcends caste and class barriers.
The Power of Community and Recognition
Ram studied at Government Inter College in Ahmedpur, where teachers recognized and nurtured his potential. The district administration celebrated his achievement, with District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi personally honoring Ram and promising ongoing support for his future studies.
DIOS O.P. Tripathi called Ram “a living example of what can be achieved through perseverance,” adding that his story could reshape how rural youth view education.
Inspiring a New Generation of Learners
Ram Keval’s UP Board Class 10 topper story's impact has already been rippling through Nizampur. Classmates like Lovelesh and Mukesh failed this year and vowed to study harder. Local parents, some of whom never finished school, are now committed to sending their children for further education.
“I work in the fields, but I don’t want my son to stay a laborer,” said Nanku, Lovelesh’s father. “Education is the only way forward.”
From Village Boy to Aspiring Engineer
Though he still finds it hard to believe he’s passed, Ram dreams of becoming an engineer—a dream he once dared not speak aloud. “It will take time for this to sink in,” he says, eyes gleaming with quiet determination.
His aspiration is not just a personal goal; it’s a testament to the power of education to change lives. It proves that no dream is too big—even for a remote village boy studying by solar light after long hours of labor.
Conclusion: Lighting the Path Forward
The inspiring journey of this rural Indian student is more than a story of academic achievement; it is a profound reminder of the transformative potential of education. In a place where simply passing Class 10 seemed unattainable, Ram Keval’s story from Uttar Pradesh has become a catalyst for change and a symbol of possibility.
His victory is a collective one—for his family, the Dalit community, and every child who dares to dream in the face of adversity. As the first Class 10 graduate in Nizampur, Ram Keval is not just a student but a pioneer, a role model, and a hope-bearer for future generations.