Harendra’s story is not just one of hardship, but of resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit of a young Sahariya Adivasi boy who changed his fate through determination.

Born in the small rustic village of Gandhipura near Gwalior, Harendra grew up in a mud house with his parents, daily wage agricultural labourers, and his younger brother, Bhura. Though life was hard, the family’s close bond kept them strong. He began his education at the government school, dressed in just a pair of shorts, carrying a bowl from home for a mid-day meal of dalia (porridge).

Early struggles and family responsibility

In 2009, at 13, Harendra’s father was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Harendra then took on family responsibilities, working part-time in agriculture, plucking peas for INR 30 a day, then harvesting mustard for INR 120 a day while juggling studying at night. By 2012, he reached the 10th standard despite worsening hardships.

In 2017, his father passed away. Harendra had to discontinue his education beyond matriculation and moved to Gwalior, working 13-hour days at a construction site, carrying sand, gravel, and cement for INR 170 a day. Despite personal sacrifices, he ensured his brother’s education continued, who later completed his B.Sc. and now runs a general store in Gandhipura.

Harendra Khandel (right)

Turning hardship into opportunity

The pandemic marked a turning point. Harendra leased farmland for INR 75,000 for three years, planted peas, and earned INR 3,50,000 from the harvest. With his savings, he opened a small store in Gandhipura and supported his brother’s college education. He gradually became a landowner, starting with cultivating mortgaged land from a local farmer, and expanded his agricultural enterprise. Two annual harvests of pulses and mustard or wheat now bring him about INR 1 lakh annually, securing his family’s future.

Giving back and inspiring the community

As his financial stability grew, Harendra began assisting villagers in obtaining essential documents like caste certificates, ration cards, and Aadhaar cards, which connected him to community issues. He now works with local social organisations, and recently joined Zenith as a community worker to help empower people in his village.

Harendra (to the left) along with Ramlakhan ( to the right) at the tribal welfare department

In the summer of 2024, he married Kajli Adivasi, funding the wedding entirely from his savings. Once working on building the homes of others, today, he is building a new home for his family and now dreams of arranging a beautiful wedding for his brother.

Harendra’s life has been a long journey through hardship. But in every moment of despair, he chose determination, discipline, and his family’s future. He responded with hard work to every challenge. He never let poverty or fate define him.

Harendra’s life demonstrates that success is earned through determination, discipline, and hard work. His message is simple yet powerful:

"No matter how difficult life gets, if you move forward with sincerity and courage, no goal is unreachable. Never give up; struggle is the first step to success."