Braving immense challenges, Manoj Bar, a 24-year-old from Dublagadi village in Balasore, Odisha, has achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 115 in the CSIR NET 2024 exam. Determined to pursue a PhD in Chemical Science, Manoj aspires to contribute to academia through research fellowships at esteemed institutions like IITs and CSIR Labs while striving to ensure financial stability for his family.
Hailing from a modest household, Manoj is the son of Ramchandra Bar, a fisherman. His journey has been marked by perseverance, including daily two-kilometre walks to a friend’s house to access internet resources for his studies. These adversities, however, only strengthened his resolve to excel in his education.
Overcoming Barriers to Education
After high school, Manoj briefly considered joining his father’s fishing trade. However, his mother, Niyat Bar, inspired him to pursue higher education. With limited resources and little exposure to competitive exams like JEE or NEET, Manoj focused on his passion for chemistry. He earned a BSc in Chemistry from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Gopalgoan, Balasore, in 2021, commuting nearly 30 km daily. He later completed his MSc from Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha, in 2023.
The family’s financial struggles deepened when his father was forced to abandon fishing due to severe health issues that required surgery. To support his family, Manoj began tutoring younger students, earning Rs 6,000–7,000 per month. He later expanded his efforts by mentoring high school students at a local coaching centre. His mother contributed by stitching fishing nets at Rs 20 per piece to help fund his college fees.
Guidance and Determination
Manoj’s teachers played a crucial role in inspiring him to dream bigger. Joining the Shodh Batch for Chemical Science by Physics Wallah provided him with mentorship, resources, and motivation that became pivotal in his success. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Manoj credits his achievements to his family’s unwavering support and the guidance of his mentors.
Manoj’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, proving that with perseverance and the right support, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
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