IITian reveals his mother sold her mangalsutra to help him crack JEE: 'We were surviving on Rs 2,000 per month, got kicked out of school'

It was not rank or hard work that helped Deepak Baghel get a seat at the prestigious IIT Bombay. His admission was carved out of resilience—his own and, more importantly, that of his mother, whose unwavering spirit became the fuel for his success. In a candid chat with the Humans Of Bombay, the entrepreneur opened up about his journey from a remote village in Madhya Pradesh to the hallowed gates of IIT.

Deepak was born into a modest household. His father, a schoolteacher, brought in a monthly salary of just Rs 300. Despite the family’s limited means, their lives remained stable until tragedy struck in 2004.

At just 11 years old, Deepak lost his father—a blow that turned the family's world upside down. Their financial state plummeted to dire levels. Struggling to survive on a mere Rs 2,000 a month, the family faced eviction, social isolation, and a growing mountain of hardship.

"We couldn’t pay rent. Our relatives turned us away..." He reminisced.

Schools refused him admission due to unpaid fees, and even relatives distanced themselves. His mother, left alone to care for two children, fell into emotional despair, her life derailed by widowhood and economic collapse.

A Mother’s Silent Strength Becomes the Family’s Backbone

In the face of immense personal grief, Deepak’s mother found the courage to pick herself up and take control of her family’s shattered reality. Although well-meaning individuals advised that Deepak should give up his education and take his father's teaching job—an option that would have required four years of waiting without income—his mother made a different choice. She decided to work in the very same school where her husband had once taught, taking up the position of a school peon.

Her duties included sweeping classrooms, fetching water, and performing other maintenance tasks. Yet, out of deep respect for her late husband and her own quiet dignity, everyone at the school affectionately addressed her as "Baghel Madam." This humble job, though far removed from her previous life, gave her a renewed sense of purpose and helped her rise above her depression. She became the emotional anchor of the family, instilling in her children the importance of honesty and ambition, often telling them to chase their dreams with integrity.

A Dream Ignited by a Poster

By 2008, the family’s financial condition had marginally improved, and it was around this time that Deepak stumbled upon a poster for the IIT-JEE examination. At the time, he had no idea what IIT stood for, but he could sense its importance from the awe in people’s reactions. Inspired by that moment, he declared his intention to appear for the exam.

Deepak immersed himself in rigorous study, eventually clearing the competitive test. A coaching center recognized his potential and offered him a partial scholarship worth Rs 17,000. However, even the reduced amount was a heavy burden for his family. That’s when his mother made another monumental sacrifice: she sold her mangalsutra—a treasured symbol of marriage—for her son’s education. In that moment, Deepak made an unspoken vow to live up to her belief in him.

From Tears of Joy to IIT Bombay

In 2010, Deepak achieved what once seemed impossible—he cleared the IIT-JEE with an impressive All India Rank of 478 and secured a seat at IIT Bombay. When he shared the news with his mother, she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by pride and relief. She excitedly told neighbors and relatives, “My son is going to IIT,” her voice filled with emotion and triumph. That embrace they shared afterward wasn’t just a hug—it was a quiet celebration of everything they had endured and overcome together.

Giving Back to the Roots that Nurtured Him

Today, Deepak Baghel stands tall as a successful entrepreneur and educator. He founded Mielo India, a company focused on producing high-quality honey through scientific beekeeping methods—an initiative that claims to be among the pioneers in Central India. In addition to running his startup, Deepak also teaches and mentors students from underprivileged backgrounds, hoping to inspire others just like him.

Interestingly, his mother still works at the same school, not out of necessity, but by choice. She believes that place gave her a new lease on life, a sanctuary during her darkest hours. For Deepak, whenever someone asks him what propelled a boy from a dust-laden village in Madhya Pradesh to the gates of IIT Bombay, he has a singular answer that never changes: it was always his mother.