Nidhi Jha from Varanasi, is an undergrad student of ISM Dhanbad. She belongs to an extremely poor background. Her father is an auto driver and she lives in a joint family. Thus, it was very difficult for her father to manage such a large family single handed. After schooling, she got admission in an institute which provided her free IIT coaching and free fooding and lodging for a year. After that, she cleared JEE Advance with a rank of 7323 and got admission in IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
On her staircase to success she came across Mr Pascal Plission, which gave her an offer to work in his documentary.
She was one of the lead actors in a French documentary ,“Le Grand Jour”, directed by Pascal Plission, based on struggling achievers around the world.
It has 3 other kids from Spain, Uganda and Mongolia as well and the movie was released on September 22, 2015. The movies was later released as The Big Day in UK and US.
1. How do you feel when you see yourself in IIT(ISM), where most students aspire to go ?
It feels really good to study in such a big institute like IIT. All my hardwork has finally paid off. It feels like a blessing to see myself here today.
2. Talk about the role played by you as a lead actor in the documentary Le Grand Jour, which was also released as The Big Day.
The movie was basically the story of my life, which was played by all the people in my life. It shows my lifestyle, and my sufferings. The movie shows all my struggle and hardwork, with which I achieved my dream of getting into IIT Dhanbad.
3. Talk about how you met Pascal Plission, and how you got selected for the documentary.
Mr Pascal Plission and his team came to look for a story in my coaching centre. Among several students, they found my story perfect for their documentary.
4. Belonging to such a poor background, how did you manage to get into IIT ? What led you to go on?
My father’s motivation, inspiration and guidance helped me a lot and guided me to go on and not let down. He always encouraged me to go on with my hard work and to work on achieving my dreams.
5. Did you get the support from your family, that you required at that point ?
Yes, it is because of my family that I could reach here. From a place where I come from, not much people teach a girl. But my father, in spite of what others said and his financial situation, made all the efforts to make it easy for me.
6. Which was the proudest moment in your life, when you got into IIT or when you got selected for the documentary ?
Well, getting into the documentary was a very big deal for me and it is because of the documentary and Pascal that I can manage my education and fees of my institute. But my proudest moment would still be getting into IIT.
7. Talk about the feeling you get, when you see the respect you earned in the eyes of everyone ?
I don’t know about everyone, but when I see that love and respect in my father’s eyes, it makes me feel worth something. And the feeling is just exceptional.
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8. Initially, were you ever let down by the fact that you belonged to an extremely poor background, and you might not be accepted by the people or given fair chance to study ?
I don’t think your background or financial conditions matter once you are determined to work for your target. When you have the dedication and skills, nothing matters.
9. Who would you describe as your role model, someone who helped you achieve your dreams ?
My father, my mentor Anand sir and Mr Pascal helped me a lot in achieving my dreams.
