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“My Parents Don’t Know Where Harvard Is”: Seema Kumari’s Journey from Village to Ivy League

Seema Kumari's journey to Harvard!

This piece of news surely gives us goosebumps!

Seema Kumari's remarkable journey from a small village in Jharkhand to graduating from Harvard University is a powerful reminder that dreams know no boundaries.

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In a village where many girls are forced to abandon their dreams, she walked barefoot to school, determined to change her narrative. She he chose a different path.

When she first told her parents about Harvard, they had no reference point for the name or the place. As Seema said, “My parents don’t know where Harvard is, but they know I studied hard.”

For someone who spent most of her childhood without electricity, the idea of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities seemed almost unthinkable. Yet Seema made it real.

Her life changed when she joined Yuwa India, an NGO working with at-risk girls through education and football. There, she found mentors, confidence, and the freedom to imagine a future beyond the boundaries of her village. Balancing football practice with schoolwork, she slowly built a profile that would one day impress educators around the world.

Her acceptance letter, complete with full financial aid, opened doors to a world of possibilities

Today, we celebrate Seema Kumari, a shining example of how education can break the cycle of generational inequality. Her journey inspires us all to believe in the power of knowledge. 

Despite her achievements, she has remained deeply connected to her roots. Seema continues to engage with Yuwa, advocating against child marriage, encouraging girls’ education, and inspiring young students to dream without fear. Her hope is simple yet powerful: to ensure that the next generation of girls in her village have the freedom to pursue dreams as big as their potential.

Long way to go, champ!

 

Source / Image Credit : Moneycontrol , Times of India, The Lakshmi Mittal