Yogeshwari Selvam’s IIT-Bombay admission to the aerospace engineering program is a story that warms the heart and ignites hope. Hailing from Sathur village in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, this young girl from a government school has defied every odd to secure a seat at one of India’s most prestigious institutes. Her father runs a small tea stall, brewing cups of chai to make ends meet, while her mother toils in a fireworks factory. Money was tight, and dreams of higher education seemed distant—until Yogeshwari discovered a path that changed her life.
Growing up, Yogeshwari didn’t even know what the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) was. Aerospace engineering? That was a world away. But in Class VII, a spark ignited when she stumbled upon the subject, dreaming of soaring like her idols, Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla. Her breakthrough came in Class XII, thanks to Tamil Nadu’s Naan Mudhalvan and Kalluri Kanavu schemes. These programs, championed by Chief Minister MK Stalin, introduced her to JEE and guided her through its daunting application process. “They told me about JEE and how to apply,” Yogeshwari shared with a smile. “At first, English was tough, but I kept studying.”
The road wasn’t easy. JEE is a beast of an exam, with its complex problems and fierce competition. For Yogeshwari, the challenge was doubled by language barriers and limited resources. Yet, she tackled it with relentless grit. The schemes provided coaching for JEE Mains and Advanced, and under the guidance of Virudhunagar’s District Collector VP Jeyaseelan, she honed her skills. Her hard work paid off—she cleared both exams, securing the 75th rank in the differently-abled category (non-creamy layer). Her joy was palpable when she learned of her IIT-Bombay admission. “I’m happy to study aerospace engineering,” she said, her eyes gleaming with ambition.
Yogeshwari’s story is more than a personal victory; it’s a testament to the power of government initiatives that uplift rural students. Naan Mudhalvan and Kalluri Kanavu are beacons for kids from modest backgrounds, offering not just knowledge but hope. Jeyaseelan’s hands-on support—organizing career guidance and ensuring continued aid for Yogeshwari’s education—shows what dedicated leadership can achieve. She’s quick to credit them: “I thank Chief Minister MK Stalin and Collector Jeyaseelan for helping me.”
Her journey resonates because it’s rooted in struggle and triumph. In Sathur, where life revolves around tea stalls and small factories, Yogeshwari’s success is a ripple of inspiration. Neighbors stop by her father’s stall, not just for chai but to hear about the girl who’s headed to IIT. Her parents, who sacrificed to educate their three children, beam with pride. For Yogeshwari, the dream is clear: to innovate in aerospace technology, honoring her role models. As she prepares to leave for Mumbai, her village watches with awe, knowing she’s carrying their hopes skyward.
Yogeshwari’s IIT-Bombay admission is a reminder that dreams don’t need wealth—just determination and opportunity. Her story challenges us to support systems that empower every child, no matter where they’re from. Let’s cheer for this Tamil Nadu star as she reaches for the cosmos.