Rising from Village Roots to Tech-Hub: Taniya’s Journey Beyond Boundaries.
In the heart of a quaint village, where aspirations were often confined by limited resources, the ambitious daughter of Kirana shop worker, Taniya Gupta, embarked on a transformative journey when she joined UPAY’s Reach & Teach centre in Wadoda Village. Since 13 years of age, when she joined UPAY in the final year of her B.Tech in Electronics and Communication, Taniya’s story has been one of resilience and unwavering determination.
UPAY, with its mission to uplift underprivileged youth through education, entered Taniya’s village, becoming a beacon of hope for countless children like her. Varun Shrivastava, the founder of UPAY, himself recognized Taniya’s potential. When discussed with her parents, he found Taniya to be held within the conservative mindset of the society where allowing a girl to pursue higher education and set her own benchmark was a distant dream. But he did not lose hope. Taniya was counselled and encouraged to dream beyond the conventional.
The continual feedback from her teachers helped her score 94.6% in Class 10th Board. Her special love for Mathematics helped her to be curious about the subject and practice more and more. This resulted in a whopping 99 marks out of 100 in her board exams. She was advised to aim for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Having mentors like Varun Shrivastava from IIT, sparked her dreams. UPAY arranged for a full scholarship to support her education as well as the cost of living in cities like Nagpur so that her family is not burdened.
Taniya, armed with intellect and a desire for knowledge, seized the opportunity presented by UPAY. Her journey through the competitive world of JEE wasn’t without its challenges, but her mentor Vinay Choudhary’s guidance and support were instrumental in propelling her towards higher education and soon she got into the prestigious IIIT Allahabad.
Taniya’s academic excellence led her to pursue a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication. As she delved into the complexities of her chosen field, she discovered her passion for innovation and technology. However, the transition from a small village to the academic rigours of college life was not without its hurdles.
Her innate cleverness and core skills became evident as she completed two internships during her college years. These experiences not only enriched her academic knowledge but also exposed her to real-world applications of her field. It transformed her own personality and uncovered her potential.
8th January 2023 marks a significant milestone in Taniya’s journey – a six-month internship at ARM Ltd Bangalore. This opportunity, secured through her dedication and the skills cultivated by UPAY, showcases the potential that lies within individuals when given the right guidance and opportunities.
Reflecting on her journey, Taniya emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship. She recalls, “I was clever from childhood, but I wasn’t aware of any career opportunities. My mother encouraged me to study, but we didn’t know what to pursue. Through UPAY, I came to know about scholarship programs that shaped my life.”
Taniya’s story is a testament to the transformative impact that UPAY has on the lives of underprivileged individuals. From a village with limited resources to an employee at ARM Ltd Bangalore, Taniya’s journey exemplifies the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. As she continues to break barriers, her story inspires others to dream big and work towards a future where opportunities are not constrained by one’s background.
