From Nomadic Roots to Global Scholarship Sandesh Rathod’s Journey to Edinburgh

Sandesh Rathod’s story begins in Vasantwadi Tanda, a nomadic settlement in Washim district — and leads all the way to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Born into a family of migratory labourers working in sugarcane fields, Sandesh grew up amidst movement, uncertainty, and hardship.

Yet, through resilience, relentless curiosity, and transformative mentorship, he carved a path that now inspires thousands of first-generation learners.

Early Life: Childhood on the Move

Growing up in a Banjara nomadic tribe family meant constant migration.
Sandesh attended a Zilla Parishad school, but his schooling was disrupted every time his family had to move for work.

One of his elder sisters sacrificed her own education to ensure he could attend school regularly.
Despite the hardship, Sandesh’s parents held one unwavering dream:

Their son should not struggle the way they did.

The First Turning Point: Academic Excellence

After Class 12, financial challenges clouded his future.
With little clarity about what to pursue, he enrolled in a Bachelor’s in Social Work in Washim.

This decision changed his life.

• 🎖️ Graduated with a Gold Medal
• 🥇 Ranked 1st at Amravati University
• ⭐ Achieved CGPA 9.23

During this time, he met Prof. Mangesh Bhutade, who opened the door to top universities and introduced him to the Eklavya India Foundation in 2020.

The Eklavya Crash Course: A Life-Changing Experience

In his second year, Sandesh attended Eklavya’s three-month crash course at the Yavatmal office (2021).
This program transformed his understanding of:

• Higher education pathways
• Scholarships
• Admission processes
• Purpose-driven career decisions

With Eklavya’s guidance, he secured admission to Azim Premji University, Bangalore — on a fully funded scholarship.

It was the first time he left his district and state to study.

Broadening Horizons: Internships & Field Experience

During his Master’s in Education, Sandesh interned with:

• Jagori Himachal Pradesh
• Azim Premji Foundation (Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan)

He also led a large-scale educational outreach program with Eklavya India Foundation in Yavatmal, reaching thousands of students.

After completing his Master’s, he worked at the Azim Premji Foundation, one of India’s most respected social sector institutions.

The Leap Forward: Global Scholars Program

A major milestone came in 2024 when he attended the Eklavya Global Scholars’ 3-day residential bootcamp.

There, he met:

• Mentors
• Global scholars
• Education leaders

With year-long guidance from a dedicated mentor, Sandesh:

• 🤝 Applied to top universities
• 📝 Refined essays and applications
• 🏛️ Explored global study opportunities

He secured offers from 10+ universities across the UK and Germany.

A Dream Fulfilled: Fully Funded Scholarship to Edinburgh

Sandesh was awarded the Ministry of Social Justice (MoS) Fully Funded Scholarship worth ₹55 lakhs to pursue an MSc in Comparative Education and International Development at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

A boy from a nomadic tribe…
A child who moved from field to field…
A student who once had no clarity after Class 12…

Now studies at one of the world’s top universities.

Sandesh’s Reflection

Sandesh credits much of his success to Eklavya:

“I could not have imagined reaching this stage without Eklavya. They gave me direction, mentorship, and the confidence to dream beyond limits.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision Rooted in Inclusion

Sandesh aspires to pursue a PhD in Education focusing on:

• Pedagogy
• Teacher education
• Nomadic and tribal communities

His goal is to design flexible, inclusive, culturally responsive educational models that recognise the lived experiences of nomadic learners.

He wants education to adapt to children — not force them into rigid systems.

Conclusion

Sandesh Rathod’s journey reflects the power of:

• Mentorship
• Opportunity
• Determination
• Institutional support
• Courage to dream big

From a Banjara settlement in rural Maharashtra to an iconic global university — Sandesh’s story stands as a beacon of what first-generation learners can achieve when given the chance.