In the latest episode of Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 (KBC 17), Kumari Puja (a home tutor from Odisha) shared her inspiring story about the challenges women face in India to continue their education.
During her conversation with Big B, Puja revealed the pressure she faced from her family to marry young. She said, “I wanted to prove to my father that education can change everything. Everyone objected when I wanted to continue my studies beyond Class 8.”
Odisha Woman Shares Her Struggle Story In Kaun Banega Crorepati 17
Puja grew up in a village where the local school only went up to Class 7, and the nearest higher-level school was far away. Despite limited resources, she completed Class 10 with just a notebook and a pencil. She recalled, “With just one notebook and a pencil, I completed the year. When the results came, I topped Class 10. Everyone was shocked, teachers came to congratulate me because I managed without tuition or facilities.”
Her dedication shows the struggles many girls face in rural India. Lack of access, societal expectations, and financial constraints often make continuing education difficult, but Puja’s determination helped her overcome these obstacles.
Puja also shared that she had applied for a PhD program but had to prioritise work due to financial issues. “In 2016, the fees were Rs 12,000, while I earned only Rs 20,000 from school. I chose my job to support my family, but now I want to fulfil my dreams,” she explained.
Her story highlights the real issues behind women education in India — how many girls must balance family responsibilities with their ambitions.
KBC 17 Contestant Says She Was SCARED To Marry
The episode also touched on her personal life. Puja spoke about meeting her husband through a matchmaking site. She shared with a smile, “I must have had good karma because he called me. I was scared to marry him, but took the risk, and it turned out to be the best risk of my life,” she shared with a smile.
On Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 (KBC 17), Puja successfully answered questions up to the Rs 2 lakh level and will return as a rollover contestant in the next episode. Her journey resonates with viewers because it shows the determination needed for women to fight for education and personal growth in India.
