NAGPUR: Nilkrishna Gajare, who secured the all India rank 1 in JEE (Mains) exam Thursday, said studying computer science at IIT Bombay was his dream. The 18-year-old prepared for the exam at a coaching institute in Nagpur with a 75% scholarship. Maintaining a balance between studies and personal well-being, Nilkrishna said he exercises and meditates in his free time and stays away from social media.”I only had WhatsApp to communicate with teachers. I would wake up at 5am and hit the bed by 10pm. Apart from attending tuition classes, I would study for seven hours,” he said.
Supporting him every step of the way is his father Nilkumar Gajare, who had to drop out after class 12. Despite relying on farming for a livelihood, Nilkumar ensured Nilkrishna had access to education, even mobilising extra funds for his son’s accommodation in Nagpur. “In our younger days, achieving our aspirations was impossible. Farming is my livelihood, and I barely earn Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh annually. This income supports my family of six. We’ve had to stretch our resources to ensure his education,” Nilkumar said.
Supporting him every step of the way is his father Nilkumar Gajare, who had to drop out after class 12. Despite relying on farming for a livelihood, Nilkumar ensured Nilkrishna had access to education, even mobilising extra funds for his son’s accommodation in Nagpur. “In our younger days, achieving our aspirations was impossible. Farming is my livelihood, and I barely earn Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh annually. This income supports my family of six. We’ve had to stretch our resources to ensure his education,” Nilkumar said.