Ankur is among the 169 students from the Asha Slums in Delhi to clear the much tough and newly introduced Common University Entrance Test (CUET), get admission, and secure a seat in the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Delhi. Ankur is the son of a painter who earns 2000 ($ 25) Rs per month, which is insufficient to run the expenses of 4-member family living in Kanak Durga slum colony. Ankur’s childhood was spent studying in a nearby government school with friends from the slum who did not have an inclination or motivation towards education. Ankur’s sister, Suman, has been associated with Asha for many years; she encouraged him to join Asha as she was the first person in his family who went to the university with the support of Asha. This motivated Ankur to do college and pursue higher education. He regularly devoted his time to the Asha center, where he found a quiet and peaceful environment to study without any disturbances. He got study materials and books to study. Also, with the help of the IT lab, he does his assignments and mock test, which he could not do at home as his hut was very small and lacked space.
The introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) would have added a layer of challenge, but with the support and guidance of the Asha team and senior ambassadors, he was able to clear the exam successfully. The Asha team also assisted in the admissions process by helping Ankur get ready with the required documents, such as the Economically Weaker Section category and school migration certificate and submitting the application. Ankur has started attending college and making friends from different social and economic strata, providing him different learning skills and exposure. He has taken a step to become an analyst in a multinational company.
