Priyanka Kamble’s SSC exam success at the age of 27 is a story that resonates far beyond the streets of Pune. A member of the Swachh Cooperative Society, this waste picker transformed years of humiliation into a triumph, passing her Class 10 exams with 48% in 2025. After being taunted as “anpadh” (illiterate) by her in-laws, Priyanka left her Solapur home, moved to Pune with her son, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Her story, celebrated across platforms like X, is a beacon of hope for Indian women facing societal barriers. From morning garbage rounds to afternoon classes, Priyanka’s grit has made her a local hero. Let’s explore how Priyanka Kamble’s SSC exam success is rewriting narratives, inspiring millions, and proving that education knows no age or circumstance.
From Taunts to Triumph
Priyanka’s life wasn’t easy. Forced to drop out after Class 3, she faced relentless mockery after marriage. “Their words kept ringing in my ears,” she told the Times of India, recalling how her in-laws’ taunts fueled her resolve. In 2022, she enrolled at Shrimati Ramabai Ranade High School for Adult Women in Pune, a haven for women denied education. Juggling waste collection, parenting, and studies, Priyanka’s daily routine was a testament to her determination. She’d collect garbage in Katraj, prepare lunch for her son, and rush to school by 2 p.m., often without time for tuition. Her 48% score, announced on May 13, 2025, wasn’t just a number—it was a victory over every naysayer.
The Role of Swachh Cooperative
The Swachh Cooperative Society, where Priyanka works, played a pivotal role. Formed in 2007 to integrate waste pickers into Pune’s solid waste management, Swachh employs 3,500 workers, managing 1,000 tonnes of waste daily. Its flexible hours allowed Priyanka to balance work and school. “My job gave me the freedom to study,” she told Pune Mirror. Swachh’s support extended beyond logistics—fellow waste pickers celebrated her success, and her husband, away for work, called to urge her to distribute sweets. This community, rooted in the 1993 Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP) union, empowers women like Priyanka, making her SSC exam success a collective win.
A Day in Priyanka’s Life
Priyanka’s schedule was relentless. Mornings began with door-to-door garbage collection, followed by dropping her son at school. Afternoons were for classes, where teachers accommodated her late arrivals due to work. Even during exams, she worked before heading to the exam hall, supported by her mother’s help at home. When teachers suggested a 12-15 day break for exam prep, Priyanka couldn’t afford it—missing work meant no income. Yet, her discipline paid off. Her school, with a 90% pass rate in 2025, celebrated her alongside peers like Sukanya Shinde, who topped with 70.4%. Priyanka Kamble’s SSC exam success reflects sheer willpower.
A Dream for the Future
Priyanka’s ambitions don’t stop at SSC. She dreams of becoming an anganwadi sevika, a role that supports rural childcare and education. “I want to help others like me,” she shared, her voice brimming with purpose. Her achievement has already inspired her community. Residents in Katraj, where she collects waste, congratulated her, and posts on X, like @thebetterindia’s, hailed her as a “woman who inspires”. Her story aligns with India’s growing focus on women’s education, with schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao gaining traction. Priyanka’s journey shows that education can transform lives, no matter the starting point.
Challenges Overcome
Priyanka’s path was fraught with obstacles. Societal stigma against waste pickers, especially women, is rampant. Her in-laws’ taunts were not just personal but reflective of broader biases against uneducated women in rural India. Moving to Pune meant starting over, with the added burden of single-handedly raising her son. Financial constraints limited her study resources—no tuition, just night school and determination. Yet, Priyanka Kamble’s SSC exam success proves that resilience can shatter stereotypes. Her story, echoed by peers like Komal Gaikwad, who scored 58%, highlights the power of second chances.
Why This Matters for India
In a country where 1.5-4 million waste pickers toil in the informal sector, often unrecognized, Priyanka’s triumph is a clarion call. Waste pickers like her reduce landfill burdens, yet face apathy. Her success, amplified by outlets like BBC Hindi on X, challenges this neglect. It also underscores the need for adult education programs, especially for women. With India’s female literacy rate at 70.3% (2021 Census), stories like Priyanka’s push for closing the gap. Her SSC exam success isn’t just personal—it’s a spark for systemic change, urging investment in night schools and cooperatives like Swachh.
What’s Next for Priyanka?
Priyanka’s immediate goal is to train as an anganwadi worker, a role that aligns with her desire to uplift others. Long-term, she hopes to continue her education, possibly joining a junior college. Her success has already inspired others in Swachh, with children of waste pickers like Bismilla Mulla (82%) and Sneha Mhaske (81%) excelling in SSC exams. As Pune’s waste pickers gain recognition, Priyanka’s story could drive policy changes, like better wages or educational grants. Her journey, trending on X with hashtags like #WomenWhoInspire, is a catalyst for empowerment.
A Lesson in Courage
Priyanka Kamble’s SSC exam success is more than a personal milestone—it’s a rallying cry for every Indian woman told she’s “less than.” From taunts to triumph, her story embodies the spirit of India’s unsung heroes. As she moves toward her anganwadi dream, Priyanka carries the hopes of her community, proving that education can rewrite destinies. Let’s celebrate her, support adult education, and ensure more waste pickers like her get the chance to shine. Priyanka’s victory is India’s victory—a reminder that no dream is too big, no start too late.