Tribal Girl from Salem Becomes a Symbol of Hope and Change
A tribal girl from Tamil Nadu has broken all barriers and made history. Rajeswari, hailing from the Kalvarayan Hills in Salem district, has secured admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), making her the first student from a state-run tribal residential school to do so. Her remarkable achievement has touched the hearts of many, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who announced that the government will fully fund her higher education expenses.
Rajeswari’s journey is one of courage, perseverance, and resilience. Coming from a humble background, she belongs to a tribal family where her father Andi worked as a tailor. Despite limited income, he managed to send his two elder children to college. Sadly, he passed away a year ago due to cancer, leaving the family emotionally and financially strained.
Even after this loss, Rajeswari continued her studies with determination. She completed her schooling at a government tribal residential institution and secured a spot at IIT by clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), one of India’s toughest competitive exams. Under the Scheduled Tribes category, she achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 417.
தந்தையை இழந்தாலும், அவர் கனவைத் தன் நெஞ்சில் சுமந்து நனவாக்கியிருக்கும் அரசு உறைவிடப் பள்ளி மாணவி ராஜேஷ்வரியின் சாதனைக்கு என் #Salute!
அவரது உயர்கல்விச் செலவு மொத்தத்தையும் அரசே ஏற்கும் என மகிழ்ச்சியோடு அறிவிக்கிறேன்.
ராஜேஷ்வரி போன்ற நமது மகள்கள் மேலும் பலர் சேருவதுதான்… https://t.co/iDSxYfUJWU
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 5, 2025
Also Read: 5 Powerful Reasons Why DMK Joining the India Alliance Sparks Hope for Tamil Nadu’s Future
This isn’t just a personal win — it’s a historic moment for government tribal school students across Tamil Nadu. Her teachers believe she is likely to join IIT Madras, which would further solidify her achievement and set an example for others in similar communities.
Her academic consistency is commendable. In her 10th board exams, Rajeswari scored 438 marks, followed by 521 in her 12th exams. These numbers reflect the discipline and passion that pushed her forward, despite all odds.
Recognizing her dedication, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin praised her in a heartfelt message shared on social media. He applauded her for carrying her late father’s dream forward and declared that the state government would take care of all her higher education costs.
Government Support Marks a Shift in Opportunities for Tribal Students
This announcement is more than a financial promise — it’s a message of empowerment. The Tamil Nadu government’s decision is rooted in its commitment to inclusive growth through education. Stalin emphasized that students like Rajeswari represent true pride for institutions like IIT and are a reflection of the Dravidian model of governance that focuses on social justice and upliftment.
Rajeswari’s success is not just about personal ambition; it’s about opening doors for hundreds of other tribal girls who often dream big but lack the means. Her story now serves as a source of motivation and a powerful reminder that talent exists in every corner of society — it only needs support to shine.
A Brighter Path for the Future
This inspiring milestone reminds us that when determination meets opportunity, extraordinary change is possible. The Tamil Nadu government’s backing of Rajeswari’s education has the potential to inspire reforms that make higher education more accessible for underrepresented communities across the state.
