In a region where basic connectivity remains a daily struggle, Kamala Besra’s journey stands as a powerful testament to grit and determination. A resident of Deuli village in the Laxmanpur Panchayat under Hura block in Purulia’s Jangalmahal region, Kamala has achieved remarkable success by qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET). Her accomplishment is particularly significant as she becomes the first tribal student from the History Department of Sidho Kanho Birsa University to secure this prestigious fellowship.
A Milestone for the University and the Community
Kamala’s success has brought pride not only to her family but also to her university. Former Head of the History Department, Gautam Mukherjee, described her achievement as a historic moment in the institution’s 16-year journey. He emphasised that no tribal student from the department had previously attained JRF qualification, calling it a “new feather” in the university’s cap.
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Registrar Gurudas Mandal also lauded her accomplishment, highlighting how a student from a remote background has excelled in a highly competitive national-level examination.
A Journey Marked by Struggles and Perseverance
Kamala’s academic path was anything but easy. She began her schooling at Hura-Keshabpur Primary School, walking a kilometre daily along a rural road. For secondary and higher secondary education, she attended Laxmanpur High School, located nearly five kilometres away initially on foot and later by bicycle. Coming from a marginal farming family, her upbringing was shaped by financial constraints and limited resources. According to her brother, Nikhil Besra, their family faced numerous hardships, yet Kamala remained focused on her studies.
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Academicians like Nirmal Kumar Mahato have pointed out that such achievements reflect the growing academic potential emerging from remote areas, especially with the presence of local universities. Kamala’s success not only secures her a promising research career but also serves as an inspiration for countless students from underserved regions striving to overcome barriers through education.
