Journey of Aishwarya Chikate is surprising and motivating to the youth generation. Hailing from Latur in the backward Marathwada region of Maharashtra, Aishwarya had to struggle to complete her graduation. She has now joined London School of Economics, where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was a student once upon a time. Her father was working as a daily wage worker. He had even worked in a hotel. Aishwarya fulfilled dreams of her parents, bringing glory to her family.
Aishwarya Chikate from Latur in Maharashtra, who recently went to London School of Economics to do M.Sc in economics and history, is probably the first scheduled caste girl to join the prestigious institute. It is the same school where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar went for his studies.
Q: Tell us something about your background related to your family, parents, schooling and college.
A: I come from a very humble background. My mother and father worked really hard. He worked as a daily wage worker and even in a hotel. He wanted to study but could not due to the situations but both of them ensured that we would get proper and best education. I have a brother and a sister. They are younger to me. Brother is pursuing B. Com, while sister is in tenth standard.
Q: What about schooling?
A:I was studying in a normal semi-English medium school, though I had science and math’s in English but all the other subjects were in Marathi. I do not believe that CBSE or ICSE students are superior as is the perception. Efforts are more important than background. I completed my B.A in Economics from Modern College in Pune but I was in Latur till 12th standard. Most of the parents want their kids to be engineers or doctors or UPSC and MPSC. But they need to think whether they are wasting their energies. I was more interested in Humanity but I did not realize my interest at that point of time. So, I prepared for the NEET exam but I could not get a sufficient score. I had few chances to go for MBBS and become a doctor but I denied that as I had no interest with it. I was more interested in social sciences. I also used to be haunted with the reality that if Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could do it 100years back, why could not I? One does not have to undergo hardships like him nowadays. Babasaheb used to motivate me all the time. I was fascinated while joining LSE but everything is normal now.
Q: Tell us about your journey from Latur to London.
A: It was a very stressful journey. Latur pattern is famous in Maharashtra but it is restricted only to NEET and JEE. What about other streams? People had serious doubts about my academic credentials when I was pursuing Economics and finished my graduation in 2020.
Q: Did You try for any scholarship for LSE?
A: Yes, I received a grant of Maharashtra Government scholarship. This scholarship is not only for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe but also for OBC and open category. Very few people know about this. Government, in fact, receives very few applications from open and OBC category students. This scholarship is RajarshiShahu Maharaj scholarship for Foreign Education.
Q: How are you managing finances there?
A: I receive grant of Maharashtra government but the process takes some time so I am managing my finances from my family.
Q: What is your experience there?
A: Analytical thinking is important here. It is important here how one evaluates or analyzes your learning. Teachers are easily accessible here, which do not happen in India. It is really challenging to study abroad.
Q: What is your future plan?
A: I want to pursue my further education and my Ph.D. also and maybe, if possible, I will study post doc. Again, I have to make my profile strong for that. I will have to gain some experience because I did my B.A and straight came for a Master’s Degree so I don’t have any professional experience. I want to work for humanitarian crisis, discrimination in all sphere’s caste, race, gender, poverty, unemployment. I allow myself to flow with life.
Q: Back in India, what was the response when you get admission at LSE.
A: My parents were felicitated by many entities. I felt honored when my parents were felicitated. Unfortunately, one is appreciated or recognized only if you become a doctor or an engineer. No newspaper will publish it but we have to bring a positive narrative before the people.
Q: What is your message to the students?
A: Please try to find the passion for your study. The things you are really interested in. Though it will be really challenging, I don’t know how to put it. I suffered a lot. I shifted from Science to B.A, B.A to here. Because there are many challenges you have to face but be firm on your decisions. Do not get attracted by commercialization of education.
Q: You mean to say SunoSabki Karo Man Ki?
A: Yes. You are the only one who can change your life. So, nobody can help you and nobody can stop you if you decide and if you work towards that goal.
Interviewed by Prajvalant.