From selling ice candies to research officer: The inspiring journey of Dr Rai

Dr Jaswant Rai’s journey from selling ice candies in bylanes of village Sahri to becoming a respected District Research Officer in the Languages Department is a testament to determination, hard work and community spirit. Born into a humble family, Dr Rai’s father worked as a scrap dealer and his mother was a homemaker.

Despite poverty and numerous challenges, he emerged as a beacon of academic excellence and social commitment.

At just 15-year-old and weighing only 40-kg, young Jaswant pulled an 80-kg ice candy cart from village to village every summer to fund his education. After his Class 10 exams, he sold ice candies for three months to support his Class 11 studies—a pattern that repeated after his 11th and 12th exams. These arduous efforts only fueled his resolve to break free from the cycle of poverty through education.

Dr Rai’s academic journey began with his Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) and selection as an ETT teacher in 1997. He did not stop there, earning a B.A. in 1999, followed by B.Ed, and M.A. degrees in both Punjabi and English, culminating in a Ph.D. His relentless pursuit of knowledge inspired many in his community.

“I never saw poverty as a limitation,” Dr Rai reflects. “It was a teacher in itself. Every hardship became a reason to work harder and dream bigger. My mother taught me not to be defeated by poverty but to work hard and trust in God’s grace.”

His commitment extended beyond personal success to improving educational infrastructure. While posted in Sahri, he rallied villagers and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to raise Rs 34 lakh, resulting in 12 new classrooms equipped with modern facilities. At Nasrala, he led another initiative, raising Rs 20 lakh to replace old classroom roofs and verandahs with concrete structures, ensuring safer learning environments.

Parallel to his educational career, Dr Rai nurtured a passion for writing. Since publishing his first book, Raah, in 2013, he has authored 12 books focused on culture, education, and social change. His latest work was released in December 2024, reflecting his ongoing engagement with grassroots issues.

In recognition of his dedication, the Punjab Education Department awarded him the State Award in 2020. Today, as District Research Officer, Dr Rai continues to promote language and education, proving that perseverance and community-driven work can elevate individuals from humble beginnings to remarkable achievements.