Uttarakhand News: From Kedarnath Mule Operator to IIT Madras Scholar: Atul Kumar’s Inspiring Journey from Rudraprayag

In a heartwarming story of grit and determination, Atul Kumar, a young man from a remote village in Rudraprayag, who once ferried pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham on horseback, has now earned admission to IIT Madras after clearing the prestigious IIT-JAM 2025 exam. He will soon pursue an MSc in Mathematics at one of India’s premier institutions. 

#WATCH | Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand | Atul Kumar, who used to carry pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham on a horse or mule, cleared the IIT-JAM 2025 and has been selected for IIT Madras to the MSc Mathematics programme.

Speaking to ANI, he says, "I am from a small village in… pic.twitter.com/PgewIf9rSE

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2025

From Gaurikund Trails to IIT Classrooms

Atul, who supported his family by working as a mule operator during the Kedarnath yatra, shared his journey with ANI.

“I didn’t even know about IITs until after class 12,” he said. “There’s very little awareness in the hills. I didn’t take any entrance exams back then because I simply didn’t know they existed.”

It wasn’t until later, with the support of teachers and friends, that Atul realized he could aim higher.

“They told me I could do my Master’s from an IIT, and that changed everything. I started my preparation in July last year, after the yatra season ended. I couldn’t study in June because I was busy taking travellers from Gaurikund to Kedarnath on horses and mules,” he explained.

A Dream Beyond the Mountains

Atul’s story reflects the stark challenges faced by youth in remote hilly regions, where access to quality education and career guidance remains limited.

“My motivation was to move on from this life, from this line of work,” he said. Now, his success has become a symbol of hope in his village. “So many people have called me to congratulate me. Everyone’s so happy.”

A Role Model for Many

Atul’s success is not just personal—it shines a light on the untapped potential in India’s rural and remote communities. His journey from the steep paths of Kedarnath to the academic corridors of IIT Madras is an inspiration for countless students who dream of achieving more, despite their circumstances.

His achievement underscores the importance of mentorship, access to information, and community support in transforming lives, even in the most unlikely of places.