Rudraprayag (PB): When determination takes flight, even mountains of challenges seem small. Atul Kumar from Basukedar has proven that with dedication and patience, struggles eventually lead to success. Atul hails from Beero-Deval village in the Basukedar sub-tehsil of Rudraprayag district. His father, Prakash Lal, operates horses and mules for pilgrims during the Kedarnath Yatra, while his mother, Sangeeta Devi, is a homemaker. Atul shares that whenever schools and colleges close for vacations in June, he returns home and helps his father manage the horses and mules on the Kedarnath trekking route.
Atul, the second of four siblings, completed his studies from class 6 to 12 at Government Inter College Basukedar. Afterwards, he enrolled in B.Sc. at HNB Central University in Srinagar Garhwal. Atul has scored over 80% marks in all five semesters and is currently awaiting the result of his final semester. He prepared for the IIT JAM exam through self-study, as his family couldn’t afford coaching classes. Instead, he relied on the help of friends who were taking online coaching—sharing notes and resources—which enabled Atul to succeed. He secured an All India Rank of 649 and has been selected for M.Sc. in Mathematics at IIT Madras.
Atul mentioned that his parents and teachers always supported him. Since class eight, every June, he has worked with horses and mules during the Kedarnath Yatra to contribute to his family’s income. His father, Om Prakash, expressed immense pride and happiness at his son’s achievement.
