Published 16:23 IST, October 7th 2021

Kerala petrol pump attendant's daughter inspires netizens with her academic excellence

Petrol pump attendant's daughter secured MTech from IIT Kanpur and received praises from people on Twitter. Hardeep Singh Puri showed a congratulatory message.

Reported by: Aswin Nandakumar
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Image: Republic | Image: self
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Arya Rajagopal, a native of Payyanur, is shy to talk to media about her success in academics, but her quiet story of success has enamoured and inspired millions of Indians after a tweet of her story went viral. A simple story of daughter of a petrol pump attendant who secured  MTech from IIT Kanpur broke internet on Wednesday. story had a picture of Arya with her far Rajagopal in front of Indian Oil petrol bunk at Payyanur where he has been working since 2005. 51-year old Rajagopal was seen wearing a company uniform and a simple sandal. His daughter, who stood next to him, was seen dressed in her Salwar with a college bag on her back. 

tweet described how surely and slowly far fuelled dream of her daughter in academics and how daughter in turn excelled in her career taking inspiration from her far. 

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In less than 24 hours, story was picked up by citizens who found it inspiring for a common man. "A regional manr of Indian Oil Corporation had asked me for a photograph with my daughter as he found it very inspiring that a daughter of a petrol pump attendant has made such great strides academically despite hailing from a low-income family," said Rajagopal. photographs and story first reached all IOC dealers Whatsapp Groups. Later, it was picked up by author of this piece. 

"My wife works as a receptionist in a private firm. Our income is meagre and we were particular that our daughter studied well. We were fortunate that she studied very hard and got through different sts of her academic career through merit," said Rajagopal, in an exclusive chat with Republic. " We only had to worry about hostel expenses and basic fees."

Arya's academic excellence shows a consistent performance. She secured 100 % in High School and 98 % in Higher Secondary. She got in through merit rank at prestigious National Institute of Techlogy in Calicut with a CPI of 7.83 and n got to IIT Kanpur with a CPI of 8.33.

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tweet in 24 hours has reached out to 5 lakh individuals on Twitter itself and story bounced across to or platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn as well, bringing in about of happiness in social media platforms.   story was amplified by Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. He quote tweeted to mark his appreciation on Twitter. "Heartwarming indeed". Arya Rajagopal has done her far Sh Rajagopal Ji & indeed all of us are associated with country’s energy sector immensely proud. This exemplary far-daughter duo is an inspiration & role model for Aspirational New India. My best wishes.

Petrol pump attendant's daughter inspires netizens

story has moved many Indians to excel in ir life. One Twitter user Meghraj Singh Jadeja tweeted, 

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"Dear God, I will t come re before I make my pappa this much proud one day. Doesn't matter how many more times you try."

Ravi Gite, Directorate General of Information & Public Relations, Govt of Maharashtra quote tweeted and said daughters are moments of happiness.

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When asked if his daughter would speak to media, he said, "Arya is a very shy girl. Through Republic I would like to place my gratitude to all people who send ir best wishes to us." said Rajagopal. Before concluding, we asked proud far, does he have any or dreams, he paused for a while, a spoke softly. "I would be wonderful if my daughter gets placed in Indian Oil Corporation, same company I worked for since 2005," he said, in a soft voice. 

16:23 IST, October 7th 2021