Binesh Balan had done manual jobs in his native Kolichal in Kasaragod to escape grinding poverty. Two decades on, the boy, now 29, belonging to the Mavilan tribal community, succeeded in developing an open banking software as a researcher at the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands (Holland).
In reflection, Binesh Balan’s journey was dream like, but he had to fight for each one of his right in a caste-entrenched society and it was his can-do attitude which helped him triumph over adversity.
“From language, college admission and getting scholarship, there was no shortage of obstacles. But I was able to overcome the hurdles with the help of a few enlightened minds,” says Binesh, who is doing research in social and cultural anthology in Amsterdam since 2019.
LOVR FOR TECHNOLOGY While in Class IV, Binesh used to travel 8km to the of nearest town Rajapuram just to play video game in an internet cafe. He was so fond of computers that he learned to develop basic programme language three years later.
“Though I managed to secure a pass in only one or two subjects in high school, I was an expert in computers. Even our teachers used to consult me,” he said. After completing his degree in Development Economics and obtaining an MBA later, he went to the UK under a central government scholarship to study at the University of Sussex. “I had to work as a cleaning boy from 4am to 8am in Sussex since the scholarship amount did not suffice,” he said.
“The approach of the Kerala civil society, state government and NGOs towards tribal communities is deplorable. The general view is that tribals should learn from the other ‘civilised’ communities. But in my view, it was just the opposite,” added Binesh.
such a perfect example that with dedication and hard work you can pass every obstacle in your life . cherish team salute your hardwork and dedication .
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