Simran, a 21-year-old from Balsmand village in Haryana’s Hisar district, has turned adversity into triumph, landing a Rs 55 lakh annual package at Microsoft. Her father, Rajesh Kumar, earns a modest Rs 300-500 daily as a scrap dealer, collecting junk in exchange for utensils. Living in a two-room home with her parents, two sisters, and younger brother, Simran’s journey to becoming a software engineer at one of the world’s top tech companies is nothing short of extraordinary.
From a young age, Simran showed a knack for academics. Without any coaching, she cracked the JEE exam at 17, earning a spot at IIT Mandi to study electrical engineering. But her passion lay in coding, so she took up computer science as an additional subject. Her hard work paid off when she secured a two-month internship at Microsoft’s Hyderabad campus. Among 300 interns, Simran stood out, clinching the Best Intern Award. The overseas head of Microsoft even traveled from the US to honor her—an unprecedented gesture. On June 30, 2025, Simran received her official joining letter, confirming her Rs 55 lakh package, a moment that sparked celebrations in her village.
Simran’s story resonates deeply in India, where financial struggles often define opportunity. Her father’s meager earnings never dampened her ambition. Instead, they fueled her drive to create a better future. Her success challenges stereotypes, proving that talent and determination can break through societal barriers. In a country where girls from rural areas face countless hurdles, Simran’s achievement is a beacon of hope, especially for young women aspiring to enter tech.
Her journey also underscores the power of education. IIT Mandi provided Simran with the platform to hone her skills, but her self-taught coding expertise set her apart. During her internship, she tackled complex projects with confidence, earning accolades that paved the way for her full-time role. This isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a testament to how hard work can transform lives, no matter the starting point.
Simran’s success has ripple effects. In Balsmand, villagers celebrated with sweets and drums, hailing her as a local hero. Congress MLA Chandraprakash praised her, noting that “daughters, given opportunities, excel in any field.” Her story inspires countless girls in India’s villages, where access to education and resources is often limited. It’s a reminder that talent isn’t confined to urban centers or privileged backgrounds.
As Simran steps into her role at Microsoft, she carries the dreams of her family and community. Her story is a call to action for parents to support their daughters’ ambitions and for society to dismantle outdated norms. Simran’s journey from a scrap dealer’s daughter to a Microsoft engineer shows that with grit and courage, no dream is too big. Her achievement is a proud moment for Haryana, India, and every underdog daring to aim high.