Rajasthan: Former scrap collector from Sikar cracks NEET despite tragedy
Jaipur, July 17
Proving that determination can triumph over adversity, Sunil Lohar, a resident of Ward No. 12 in Reengus, Sikar district, has secured All India Rank 5,680 in the OBC category in the NEET examination.
Born into the Gadiya Lohar community, Sunil once accompanied his family in their traditional occupation of collecting scrap from door to door. Today, his success story is being shared as a source of pride for both his family and community.
What makes his success particularly inspiring is that it came just months after the devastating loss of his six‑month‑old son.
Despite the emotional setback, Sunil remained focused on his goal, believing that becoming a doctor would enable him to serve people in need and prevent others from experiencing similar hardships. He said he remained completely focused on his studies throughout his preparation.
He avoided using his mobile phone and devoted his time to NEET preparation, while also helping his father with the family's traditional work whenever possible. He recalled that he had often accompanied his father in collecting scrap from door to door before pursuing his dream of studying medicine.
Sunil's wife, Indra Devi, said the family lost their six‑month‑old son to illness about seven months ago. Although the family wanted him to remain at home during that difficult period, they unanimously decided that he should continue preparing for NEET.
According to her, Sunil returned home for only a day before resuming his studies. She said the grief of losing their child remains, but his success has brought renewed hope to the family.
Sunil's father, Bhagwan Sahay Lohar, said that children in their community traditionally begin ironwork at an early age, and that education has often received little priority.
He expressed pride that his son had challenged this long‑standing mindset through education.
He believes Sunil's achievement will inspire more families in the community to educate their children and aspire to professional careers.
His mother, Sikri Devi, described the achievement as a proud moment not only for the family but for the entire community. The family hopes Sunil's journey will motivate other young people from similar backgrounds to pursue higher education despite economic and social challenges.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, the education system needs to support such students more. If a scrap collector's son can crack NEET with no coaching, imagine what proper govt support could do. Still, what a legend. His journey will inspire thousands, truly heartwarming. ❤️
This is what "grit" looks like. Losing a child and still focusing on studies—that takes incredible mental strength. His family deserves equal credit for letting him return to preparation despite their own grief. We need more such stories in mainstream media to motivate our youth.
Incredible story of resilience from Rajasthan. The fact that he avoided mobile phone and helped his father with scrap collection while studying shows true dedication. This is the India that's rising despite all odds. Many congratulations to Sunil and his family!
I'm really moved by this. But let's also question why a bright student from a humble background has to struggle so much? Why no proper schools or scholarships in Sikar? He succeeded despite the system, not because of it. Anyway, true inspiration! 🌟
Sunil bhai ne dikha diya ki kismet likhne wala khud hota hai! (Sunil bhai showed that one writes his own destiny!) His journey from collecting scrap to cracking NEET is a lesson for all of us who complain about small things. Proud moment for Rajasthan! 🙏
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