Meet Rajkaran Baraua, a security guard and house help in Jabalpur, who defied the odds by achieving not one but two Master’s degrees after 25 years of determination. Despite earning a meagre ₹5,000 a month, Baraua, aged 56, fulfilled his dream of obtaining an educational degree in mathematics, passing his MSc (Maths) exam after 23 unsuccessful attempts.
In 1996, Baraua earned his MA in Archaeology, and his pursuit of a mathematics degree persisted for over two decades. His inspirational story came to light when he successfully completed his academic goal at Jabalpur’s Rani Durgavati University in 2021.
Balancing a hectic work routine, Baraua managed to carve out time for his studies amidst being a security guard at night and a daytime house help. His dedication to his academic journey was evident as he worked double shifts to cover his expenses, spending nearly two lakh rupees on reference materials and exam fees over the years.
Baraua’s resilience and determination earned him praise, with his story resonating as an example of triumph against all odds. He expressed his long-standing desire, saying, “All I ever wanted was to pass this examination and be called a postgraduate in mathematics,” referring to his 25-year-long journey as a “tapasya.”
Recalling the challenges, he mentioned, “While working in bungalows and living in huts, I was insulted several times. My employers would talk to me harshly. Whenever I found some free time, I would sit on the stairs at night and study. When they would call me for some work, I would attend to them.”
Baraua’s passion for mathematics was ignited by the encouragement of school teachers who appreciated his teaching efforts in the subject to young minds. His journey, which began with his first attempt in 1997, finally materialized in 2021. Having now achieved his educational goals, Baraua has reportedly left his previous jobs to seek new opportunities in line with his qualifications.