Name: Rajesh Karmakar
Date of Birth: 26/09/2007 (18years)
Father: Pradip Karmakar
Mother: Chhaya Rani Karmakar
Village: Damodarpur
Post Office: N. 24 Parganas
PIN Code: 743375
Born on 26th September 2007 in Damodarpur village, Rajesh Karmakar has grown up battling challenges that most of us can hardly imagine. His father, Pradip Karmakar, works as a daily labourer, earning a meagre ₹6,000 a month — sometimes even less. His mother, Chhaya Rani Karmakar, is a homemaker, struggling alongside her husband to ensure that their two sons do not give up on their education, despite the family’s daily fight to arrange even two meals a day.
Rajesh is not only battling poverty but also living with a congenital disability. The lower part of both his legs is underdeveloped, making walking and movement difficult. Yet, instead of bowing down to fate, Rajesh has chosen resilience.
Currently studying in Class XII at Mosat High School, Rajesh commutes 3 km each way on a hand-pulled cart. Despite the exhaustion and physical strain, he never uses his disability or hardship as an excuse to miss school or neglect his studies. His younger brother, now in Class VI, looks up to him as a source of inspiration.
Rajesh dreams of pursuing higher education and preparing for government job examinations. He believes that education will not only open doors to employment and opportunities but also help him raise awareness about the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
However, his parents remain deeply worried about his future. The college is much farther away, and without a motorized vehicle, commuting will become nearly impossible. They have often dreamt of getting him one, but their financial reality makes it a distant hope.
In rural areas like Damodarpur, disability is often misunderstood, burdened with stigma, and shrouded in silence. But Rajesh’s determination and his family’s love for each other have helped him rise above discrimination and despair.
Throughout his journey, the team at Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) has been a constant source of encouragement for Rajesh. They motivated him to keep his confidence alive, supported his educational aspirations, and reminded him that his dreams were valid despite the hardships he faced. This steady guidance has helped Rajesh nurture his determination and look at his future with hope.
Despite all the hurdles, Rajesh’s resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his extraordinary spirit and perseverance, he was honoured with The Telegraph Award in the category of Courage. Along with the award, he also received a one-time scholarship, a small but significant step towards supporting his dream of higher education.
Speaking about his journey, Rajesh shared softly:
“I know life is difficult, but I don’t want to stop dreaming. One day, I want to stand on my own feet—not just for myself, but to give my parents a life of dignity.”
Rajesh’s story is a living reminder that courage is not the absence of struggle, but the strength to move forward despite it.
Rajesh teaches us that dreams have no boundaries when determination is stronger than circumstance.
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