The Role of Self-Discovery in Transformation
Tracking Indian Youth : Mohit Joshi
The Pehli Peedi Fellowship presents the first in a series of stories highlighting the experiences of first-generation students across India.
Mohit Joshi, a 21-year-old fourth-year undergraduate student at Ashoka University, is majoring in Economics and Finance and minoring in Entrepreneurship. As a first-generation college student from a rural background in Uttarakhand, Mohit’s journey into higher education has been both inspiring and transformative. Deeply passionate about finance and investing, he reflects on how university life has helped him discover his strengths, navigate challenges, and shape his ambitions.
“I started working on myself and slowly began discovering what I’m truly good at. That process of self-discovery made me feel unique.”
Read her full story below. Profile by Radha.
Radha: Hello, thank you so much for taking out time for this interview. Can you tell me about yourself?
Mohit: Hello! My name is Mohit Joshi, and I’m 21 years old. I was born and raised in Uttarakhand. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Economics and Finance, with a minor in Entrepreneurship, at Ashoka University, and I’m entering my fourth year. I come from a rural background, where life moves at a slower pace and opportunities are often quite limited.
Radha: Tell me about your family—what do your parents or guardians do?
Mohit: We are a family of five. My mother is a homemaker, and my father works in the corporate sector. In terms of education, both of them completed only primary schooling. Due to limited resources and opportunities, they weren’t able to pursue high school or higher education. Despite this, they have always prioritised our education and ensured that we had access to quality learning.
Radha: Which school did you attend—government or private?
Mohit: I attended a private school called Nanakmatta Public School. It was a day school and the most affordable option in my area that still offered good-quality education.
Radha: How many students were in your Class 12 batch? How many went on to college?
Mohit: There were 18 students in my batch. Out of those, around 8 or 9 pursued higher education. Some chose local colleges, while others moved to cities for better opportunities. A few opted for professional courses, and some even went abroad. My school always encouraged us to pursue higher studies, believing that education was key to building a better future.
Radha: Was education something people in your family or community talked about often?
Mohit: Yes, education was always valued in my family. My parents never made any distinction between me and my sisters—we were all encouraged to study and pursue our goals. Even during financial hardships, investing in our education was a priority.
In the community, education is supported, but there are still certain expectations. For boys, the emphasis is often on securing a job quickly and settling down. Girls are encouraged to study, but they still face challenges, especially when it comes to moving out of the city for higher education.
Radha: Are you comfortable sharing your caste? What role has caste played in your life?
Mohit: Yes, I’m comfortable sharing that I belong to the General category. Honestly, caste hasn’t played a major role in my life. I haven’t faced discrimination, nor have I received any specific privileges because of it.
Where I come from, people from different castes, religions, and communities live together, and there is a general sense of mutual respect. My school environment was also inclusive. At Ashoka, being a liberal arts university, the focus is on individual identity and growth, so caste hasn’t influenced my academic or personal journey in any significant way.
Radha: Was it always known that you would go to college? If not, who inspired you to go?
Mohit: It wasn’t always clear that I would go to college. Initially, I planned to prepare for government jobs after Class 12, such as joining the military or appearing for competitive exams.
That changed because of my school instructor, Dr. Kamlesh Atwal. He strongly advocated for residential undergraduate education and had completed his PhD from JNU. He consistently encouraged us to pursue higher education at reputed residential campuses, believing that such environments help students discover their interests and find their path. His guidance played a crucial role in shaping my decision.
Radha: Were there any hurdles you had to overcome to go to college?
Mohit: Yes, there were several challenges. The first was the lack of resources—even something as basic as not having a laptop made the application process difficult. I also struggled with understanding how to fill out forms, write personal statements, and attempt on-the-spot essays that are often part of admissions.
Another major hurdle was the language barrier. English wasn’t commonly spoken in my background, which made me underconfident in expressing myself, especially in writing. Over time, however, I learned, adapted, and pushed through these challenges.
Radha: How has your university experience been so far? What surprised or challenged you?
Mohit: My university experience has been a mix of challenges and growth. Academically, it was difficult at first—the curriculum, pace, and competitive environment were all new to me, and it took time to adjust.
Socially, I initially found it hard to make close friends. Coming from a very different background, I often felt out of place. Over time, though, I found people I deeply connect with, and those friendships have made my journey more meaningful and manageable.
Radha: Do you feel a sense of belonging here? What helps, and what makes it difficult?
Mohit: I do feel a sense of belonging now, but it didn’t come immediately. Initially, the diversity of backgrounds made it difficult for me to feel like I fit in.
Over time, that changed. I may not belong in the same way others do, but I’ve built my own community—friends from different backgrounds who understand and support me. That has made all the difference and helped me feel at home.
Radha: Do you feel that being first-generation affects how others perceive you?
Mohit: There were times when I overthought how others perceived me—how I spoke, participated in class, or even dressed. As a first-generation student, it’s easy to feel constantly judged.
With time, I’ve learned to navigate these feelings. I’ve become more confident and intentional about what I share and when. Staying consistent in who I am has helped me find my space without compromising my identity.
Radha: Do you feel seen and heard in classrooms, societies, or larger campus spaces?
Mohit: Initially, I felt unsure while participating in discussions and events, as I didn’t see myself as a strong speaker. Over time, I realised that I’m a creative thinker who approaches situations rationally and from a broader perspective.
Understanding that creativity and empathy are my strengths has helped me contribute meaningfully. Being involved in campus societies and working with different offices has helped me open up and recognise my capabilities.
Radha: If you could change one thing about higher education today, what would it be?
Mohit: I believe real change needs to begin at the school level. The quality of schooling creates vast differences in preparedness, and our starting points are not equal.
Every student should have access to affordable, ideally free, high-quality education. Education is a basic right. A strong school foundation would help students enter higher education with confidence and navigate future challenges without hesitation.
Radha: Thank you so much for your time. All the best!
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.