A student who arrived in Rachi shared his pain caused by constant questions about why he still hasn't found a job despite many years of effort. His eight years of struggle, financial difficulties, and sharp remarks from relatives asking, 'When will you get a job?', have reached a climax, and his suffering has now come out onto the streets.
This student, having spent his youth preparing for the JSSC CGL exam, felt disillusioned with the system. However, following his mother's advice, who warned that if they didn't assert their rights today, the situation would worsen tomorrow, he decided to join the protest, forgetting his fear.
In a small, dilapidated room in Rachi, the light of a desk lamp illuminates not only books but also the hope of a farmer's family from Latehara, who has been striving for a government position for the last eight years. This person is Jahid. He is one of thousands of people currently taking to the streets of Rachi, demanding their rights, impartial examinations, and the protection of their shattered dreams. Aajtak.in spoke with him to learn about his struggle.
Jahid explained that he has been living in Rachi since 2018 for preparation. Living away from home for so many years has been a test academically, economically, and psychologically. Part of the expenses is covered by his family, and he meets the rest of his needs by tutoring. Honestly, he no longer likes constantly asking his family for money, so he tries to stand on his own feet as much as possible.
He explained how the expenses are structured: living in a small room requires very limited spending. Securing rent, food, and other necessities is not easy. He receives the help his family provides, but he does not want to constantly ask. Therefore, he earns a living by teaching and running small errands. This is a battle not only for money but also for courage and patience.
Jahid noted that even when visiting his native village now, he interacts with fewer people. He spends most of his time at home and then returns to Rachi. He rarely attends weddings or other events. The reason is that people only see the result, not his struggle. Many ask, 'You've been studying for so many years, and you still don't have a job?' Some compare him to others. Such comments cause pain and lead to internal breakdown.
He also mentioned that news of fraud, such as leaks of examination materials, has become commonplace for him. Previously, this caused deep sadness, but now it causes more despair. They worked hard to surpass those who try to advance dishonestly. But when the entire exam is once again called into question, faith in one's own hard work weakens. Sometimes the thought arises whether he can build his future in Jharkhand, or if he should consider another place.
He emphasized that this long wait has greatly affected his mental state. Years of study followed by constant disappointment are not easy. Sometimes he feels his memory has deteriorated. He opens his mobile phone for some purpose and forgets what he opened it for a few seconds later. Sometimes he thinks about going home, but then realizes that abandoning years of hard work is wrong. Only hope keeps him going, that perhaps things will be better next time.
Jahid stated that they did not come to give up their studies and start protesting, but to raise their voice for their rights. In Jahid's opinion, if they only study and the system does not change, the situation will remain the same in the coming years. Therefore, they considered it necessary to express their position in a peaceful and democratic way. Their goal is not confrontation, but demanding a transparent and reliable examination system.
He added that the fear of batons is certainly present in every person, and he feels it too. However, when a person stands up for their rights and justice peacefully, courage becomes stronger than fear. The pain from a baton lasts only a few days, but the pain from lost years of effort is very deep. If they express their views within the law, they hope that justice will ultimately prevail. His mother also said that if they do not speak up today, the situation will become even more difficult tomorrow. It is thanks to her support that he has held on until now.
