From Pani Puri Stall to IIT Roorkee: Harsh Gupta’s Remarkable Climb from Setbacks to Success

Harsh Gupta, a 19-year-old student from a modest neighbourhood in Kalyan, has secured admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee—an achievement that stands out not just for the academic milestone, but for the path he took to get there.

Harsh is the son of a roadside pani puri vendor. He lives with his family of six in a cramped two-room chawl in Thane district. Until a few years ago, the IITs were not even on his radar. It was only after his Class 10 exams during the COVID-19 pandemic that he learned about them.

With limited resources and time, he joined a coaching institute in Kota to prepare for the highly competitive entrance exams. But the odds were stacked against him. The Class 11 syllabus was nearly over by the time he began, and despite trying to catch up, he failed his Class 11 exams. It was a major blow, one that invited criticism from relatives and caused doubt within his own family.

To make matters worse, Harsh was diagnosed with rectal prolapse, a painful and recurring medical condition. His preparation was repeatedly interrupted by hospital visits and recovery time. He also faced the loss of close family members just before key exams. Despite the emotional and physical strain, he continued.

After taking a drop year and recommitting to his studies, Harsh cleared JEE Advanced in his second attempt. He also scored 98.9 percentile in JEE Main, opening the door to IIT Roorkee.

“There were moments when I was physically and emotionally exhausted,” he said. “But some people believed in me even when I didn’t.”

Harsh’s story reflects the quiet struggles of thousands of students in India whose talent often goes unnoticed due to financial and social limitations. His success is not just about getting into an IIT—it’s about perseverance in the face of health challenges, academic setbacks, and a lack of privilege.

In a system where competition is fierce and support is limited, Harsh’s journey stands as a reminder that resilience, when combined with access to learning, can defy even the harshest odds.