Taking Up Space: The Importance of Being Seen, Heard, and Valued
Tracking Indian Youth: Md. Asik Rahaman
The Pehli Peedi Fellowship presents the first in a series of stories highlighting the experiences of first-generation students across India.
Raised in a working-class household where his father is a tailor and his mother a homemaker, Md. Asik Rahaman’s journey into higher education is marked by determination, financial hardship, and a deep belief in the power of inclusive education.
“Don't question your place or your background - question those in power who are responsible for your learning. Believe in your dreams and pursue them relentlessly. Never backed down.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Sabnam Khanam.
Sabnam : Where are you from? What was growing up in your hometown like?
Md. Asik Rahaman: I was born and brought up in English Bazar of Malda Town, West Bengal. I completed my schooling from an English-medium private school in Malda. My father is a tailor and my mother is a homemaker. Both my parents were not fortunate enough to pursue higher education. My father studied only up to 4th Standard, and my mother till class 9. Despite their limited educational background, they ensured that my brother and I received a good education.
S: Are you comfortable sharing your caste? What role has caste played in your life?
Md. A.R: Talking about caste, I belong to a OBC Mahaldar Muslim caste. In India, caste plays a significant role shaping one’s life. Most people from my caste are daily-wage workers or employed in low-level clerical jobs in municipalities or local wards. This background shapes our worldview, limits our aspirations and restricts access to cultural and social capital. In contrast, consider my classmates, who belonged from the upper-castes and upper-class backgrounds. They enjoyed a more privileged life- they had access to books, good private tuition, and a strong support system of educated parents and relatives who helped them navigate studies and career. We lacked all of that.
S: Was it always known that you would go to college? If not, who inspired you to go to college?
Md. A.R: I consider myself fortunate. Although my parents couldn’t complete their education, they did everything they could to ensure that my brother and I can end up enrolling ourselves in a good college and university. They were the ones who constantly encouraged us to continue studying. They often echoed that “Education is the only way to change your destiny.”
S: Were there any hurdles that you had to overcome to go to college?
Md. A.R:My educational journey was filled with challenges. My father is the sole earner, and tailoring doesn’t bring much income. Many days, I despaired, fearing I might have to drop out due to unpaid school fees. Fortunately, my school offered fee concessions to students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Even after being selected for Presidency University, I was in a dilemma. Living in a Tier-1 city for a three-year degree was financially intimidating—with rent, food, and travel expenses seeming impossible to manage. But my parents didn’t hesitate. My father said, “Netaji studied in that university, you should study there too.” With my teachers’ encouragement, I arrived in Kolkata with a bag full of aspirations and determination.
Initially, moving to Kolkata brought hardships. I had to stay in a paying guest accommodation, which strained my finances, and I relied on one of my father’s friends until I was allotted a hostel room at the university.
S: How has the university experience been for you so far? What surprised or challenged you?
Md. A.R: My experience at the university has been mixed. One of the biggest shocks I faced after coming to this university was that despite having studied in an English-medium school, I struggled to understand the lectures and the journal articles assigned by my professors. It made me question my decision to come here.
In addition, the academic and peer environment hasn’t been supportive for students like me, especially for those from Bengali-medium backgrounds. Professors often treat all students equally, which in theory sounds fair, but in reality, it sidelines students like us who need extra support.
S: Do you feel a sense of belonging here? What helps or makes that difficult?
Md. A.R: Many students from Kolkata or affluent families have their own groups and avoid interacting with people like me. When students like us ask questions, we’re often met with judgemental, demeaning looks, as if we’re not capable or are wasting their time. Teachers too sometimes dismiss us subtly if we ask what they consider ‘basic’ or ‘vague’ questions. Being the Class Representative (CR) brings some cordiality from classmates, but many students like me still feel marginalized and invisible. Sometimes I wonder if I truly belong here, especially when even my work as a CR goes unnoticed.
However, the hostel is one place where I feel a sense of belonging. It has become a space of comfort and community—a second family. We hostellers support each other emotionally and academically, celebrate our victories, and help each other through tough times. Some senior scholars in my department from similar backgrounds have also become a pillar of support. They understand our struggles and often guide us when things feel overwhelming. They’re the ones I turn to when managing academic stress.
S: What does “success” mean to you at this stage?
Md. A.R: Initially when I joined university I was a UPSC aspirant, however with the exposure to academic rigour, I now want to pursue my PhD and become a professor. To me, success at this stage means being a well-educated, well-learned person, having a clear understanding of my discipline and contributing meaningfully through research.
I believe that a sense of self-accomplishment will come if I will be able to cultivate a classroom environment where students from marginalized backgrounds feel seen and supported and can approach their professor without any hesitation.
S: Are there any worries or uncertainties you carry about your future?
Md. A.R: Still, I do sometimes worry whether I will be able to pursue PhD in the near future. But I remain hopeful. Qualifying the UGC NET JRF exam would allow me to pursue a PhD with financial support through a monthly stipend.
S: How are you financing your education?
Md. A.R: I currently receive the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship from the Government of Bengal, which provides Rs 12,000 annually which help me to finance my education. Along with this, my parents send me some money every month. Since I stay in the university hostel, which charges a minimal fee for accommodation and also provides two meals a day, this support is sufficient to manage my basic needs and continue my education without much hardships.
S: Do you feel being first-generation affects how others perceive you? Have you experienced any form of bias or assumptions ?
Md. A.R: People in my class don't know that I’m a first generation learner, but I have often sensed assumptions or bias based on my accent or clothing. Once, when I shared my experiences in front of the class, I noticed dismissive looks from some affluent classmates, as if my story was not worth listening to. They don’t validate the experiences of students like us. I have also been mocked for the way I dress up, with remarks like, “Bro, what are you wearing? You look mad!”
S: What do you wish your professors, peers, or university leaders understood better about students like you?
Md. A.R: I wish my professors, peers and the larger university space understood students like us better. We want to feel included, to form meaningful bonds, to be seen and heard without judgements. We don’t want them to judge or pity us, instead we want understanding, respect, recognition and compassion.
S: What have you discovered about yourself during this journey? Do you feel your image has changed among your family, friends, or community after joining university?
Md. A.R: Through this journey, I have discovered my potential. Exams like the UPSC no longer feel impossible. I feel like I’m capable. I have developed the confidence to believe that I can also one day write good research papers and books, like my professors. Even my identity in my family, community and friends back home has transformed. People now believe in me that I will accomplish something meaningful in my life. They have started valuing me and recognizing me.
S: What is the one thing you think first-generation students need to succeed? Md. A.R: To other Pehli Peedhi students like me, I would like to say: know that every step will bring challenges. But don’t lose faith in yourself. Don't question your place or your background - question those in power who are responsible for your learning. Believe in your dreams and pursue them relentlessly. Never backed down.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from first-generation students across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.