Pangi (Chamba) Feb 5,
Once metaphored as ‘Kala Pani” of the mountains, often associated with harsh winters, rugged mountains and months of isolation, the tribal Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district has scripted a rare and uplifting chapter—one of determination triumphing over deprivation. This time, the valley is in the news not for snowfall or road closures, but for its young achievers who have cracked the prestigious UGC-NET examination despite formidable odds.
From Jhalwas village in Karyas Gram Panchayat, Anil Kumar has brought pride to the entire region by qualifying UGC-NET in his very first attempt. In an area where access to higher educational facilities and coaching centres is almost non-existent, Anil’s achievement stands out as exceptional.
Anil’s success has been forged in hardship. His father, Chandramani, works as a daily-wage labourer under the MNREGA scheme, struggling to support the family through manual labour. With limited financial means, expensive coaching was never an option. Anil completed his schooling up to Class XII in the village school and pursued graduation from Government College, Pangi. What sustained him was discipline, self-study and the quiet resolve to rise beyond circumstances.
Today, his success has become a matter of collective pride—not just for his family, but for the entire village. Yet, Anil sees this milestone as only a step forward. He aspires to become a scientist and engage in research that can ease the lives of the poor and marginalised sections of society. His journey has already turned him into a role model for the youth of this remote valley.
The achievement is shared by Aditi, a resident of Hudan village, who has also cleared the UGC-NET examination, underlining that Pangi’s daughters are equally determined to break barriers. Daughter of Sangat Ram, a small farmer, Aditi completed her schooling at Kilad and college education in Pangi. With limited academic resources locally, she spent the last two years preparing rigorously at the Dharamshala library, devoting long hours to study with unwavering focus.
Aditi attributes her success to her parents’ support and relentless hard work. Together, the success stories of Anil and Aditi send out a powerful message—that talent does not depend on privilege, and geography cannot cage ambition.
In a valley where survival itself is a challenge, these young achievers have proven that perseverance can outshine isolation, and that even from snowbound margins, excellence can rise to national recognition.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
