Tribal Week Special: Rising from Laborer's Son to UK Scholarship Recipient; An Inspirational Journey

Vaibhav Sonone, hailing from the humble village of 'Pedgaon' in Maharashtra, has achieved a remarkable feat by being awarded a prestigious scholarship for the MSc in 'Environment and Development' at the University of Leeds, UK. This scholarship is one of the oldest Commonwealth shared scholarships and is funded by the UK Government (FCDO). Vaibhav belongs to a Scheduled Tribe, and his parents are building laborers who have studied up to the 10th standard.

In an interview with The Mooknayak, Vaibhav Sonone shared that he is the eldest son in his family, and he has two siblings. His brother is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work, while his sister has been selected for the prestigious Gandhi Scholarship in Orissa. In his entire village, there are only 150 families from his community. Among these families, only Vaibhav's family has been able to receive education. The children from the other families either move to different cities to start businesses, such as setting up carts or selling coconuts, or they continue working in the building labor profession.

Struggles and Triumphs in Pursuit of Education

Vaibhav's parents worked as building laborers in Nashik, but their lives took a turn when his father had an accident. They had to return to their village, where Vaibhav started attending the government school to complete his primary education. However, reaching it required crossing a challenging river, making the journey arduous. Recognizing the importance of education, Vaibhav's father made a significant decision and sent him to a hostel in the seventh grade, which was situated 50 kilometers away from their house. Vaibhav successfully completed his 12th standard in that hostel environment.

Throughout his childhood, Vaibhav had a passion for reading books, encouraged by his father's constant support. His father firmly believed in the value of education and consistently emphasized its significance in shaping their lives.

Vaibhav reflects on a time when he suggested to his father the idea of buying a car to ease their commuting difficulties. His father, however, wisely responded that investing in their children's education was far more important than purchasing a vehicle. He envisioned providing high-quality education to all their children, enabling them to achieve success and prosperity in life. Vaibhav's father even extended his support to cover the educational expenses of their cousin, showcasing his commitment to empowering the younger generations through education.

Staunch admirers of Baba Saheb & Savitribai Phule

In their household, the ideas and teachings of Babasaheb and Savitribai Phule were highly revered. Vaibhav's father actively participated in a movement that spanned 10-12 years to recognize and honor Babasaheb's contributions. These influential figures continued to inspire and guide the family, nurturing a strong belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to create positive change in society.

Vaibhav says, "After completing the 12th standard, I considered pursuing B.Ed because there was a great need for a job back home. However, a professor told me, 'Vaibhav, you can do so much more.' Following that, I thought of going to Pune. At that time, we didn't even have 2000 rupees in the house to cover the rent for Pune. So, my father asked for money from his friends, and I managed to reach Pune. During my initial days, I spent a week sleeping at the railway station since I lacked any connections or acquaintances. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to secure admission to college, and later, I found support from relatives who allowed me to live with them.

I learned a lot during my time in Pune from 2013 to 2016, where I completed my degree. Afterward, I wanted to pursue a PhD at a reputable college. However, the financial condition at home was very challenging. My father explained to me, 'We may have less, but you must study diligently.' Thus, I chose a professional course in development studies. By then, I had gained practical experience and worked in Melghat, Maharashtra, where I stayed for two to three months."

Working for the oppressed class

Regarding his work with the underprivileged, Vaibhav explains, "The Constitution provides rights, but they often don't reach the underprivileged. Although I couldn't pursue my PhD, I enrolled in a development course. Subsequently, I had to take a placement, and I got one that led me to work with an NGO named 'Pradhan.' The organization focuses on supporting building laborers, Dalits, and disadvantaged communities from Rajasthan to Bengal. While working in a village in Madhya Pradesh, I faced difficulties, as some people misunderstood my intentions and attacked me, thinking I was involved in a kidney theft racket. Despite these challenges, I decided to continue working for the welfare of these underprivileged communities, as there is a significant lack of trust among them."

Vaibhav elaborates on his offers from UK universities, saying, "I applied to 18 UK universities to pursue further research and work on environmental issues. I have received offers from all the universities, which is a great opportunity for me to contribute to this field."

Discussing his love marriage, Vaibhav reveals, "My wife comes from an upper caste, which initially upset her family and caused some problems in our lives. However, she handled everything admirably. Babasaheb, Savitribai Phule, and their teachings have been our inspiration, making us strong as a couple. We got married in court last year."

He further adds, "Before marriage, many people advised me to leave this girl, fearing it might hinder my future success. But today, both of us are heading to the UK. My wife has also applied to a UK university and has received offers from eight universities. This proves that with hard work and dedication, success is within our grasp."