- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Atul Kumar IIT Madras: Among the trails of Kedarnath, where mules carry pilgrims up the steep climb, walked a young man with a dream much bigger than the mountains around him. Atul Kumar, who once made a living by guiding horses, is now headed to IIT Madras after cracking IIT-JAM 2025 with AIR 649.
Having come from village in Rudraprayag, Atul’s journey was not at all easy. Between daily climbs of 30 kilometres and family responsibilities, he never gave up on his ambition. His story is not just about academic success—it is a powerful tale of breaking barriers with perseverance, hope and strong will.
From the Mountains To IIT Madras: A Journey Against All Odds
Atul Kumar belongs to a financially challenged family in Veeron Dewal, a small village nestled in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. Like many others in his area, his family runs a mule service for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Dham. For years, Atul walked nearly 30 kilometres daily, leading mules up the hills to help his family sustain themselves.
Despite the physical exhaustion, Atul found time to study. During holidays and off-seasons, he turned to his books, preparing relentlessly for the IIT-JAM entrance exam. “I started serious preparation only in July last year,” he recalls, “because the Kedarnath Yatra season kept me occupied in June.” Yet, he never gave up.
#WATCH | Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand | Atul Kumar, who used to carry pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham on a horse or mule, cleared the IIT-JAM 2025 and has been selected for IIT Madras to the MSc Mathematics programme.
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2025
Speaking to ANI, he says, "I am from a small village in… pic.twitter.com/PgewIf9rSE
His academic foundation was laid at GIC Basukedar where he completed his schooling, followed by a B.Sc. degree from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Central University in Srinagar Garhwal. His routine was simple yet extraordinary—working by day, studying for four to five hours every night.
His determination paid off when he cracked the IIT-JAM 2025, securing an All-India Rank of 649 and earning a seat for the M.Sc. Mathematics programme at the prestigious IIT Madras. This milestone has turned Atul into a source of pride for his family, his village, and the entire state.
“I always believed I could achieve more,” Atul says. “There were moments when responsibilities overwhelmed me, but I kept moving.” His success is not only a personal triumph but a message to every rural youth battling odds: that dreams, no matter how distant, can come true with effort and resilience.
An Inspiration to Rural Youth: Message for Dreamers
Atul’s story goes beyond academics—it's a testament to how determination and vision can change one’s life. He urges other students in remote and underprivileged areas to never underestimate their potential. With the right guidance and hard work, even the highest peaks can be conquered.
He also credits his teachers and friends for introducing him to the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree from IIT. Now, as he sets off for a new chapter at IIT Madras, Atul hopes to inspire others from the hills to dream bigger.
