Kanpur: In the small neighbourhood where his family has lived for years in Kanpur, Abhishek Kumar Bharti is now a bonafide hero.
A victory lap is under progress as we approach - residents are carrying the student on their shoulders, celebrating his IIT dream.
His father is a cobbler. His house didn't have electricity. And yet, Abhishek sailed through the IIT entrance exam. The test then became one of paying for the Rs 25,000 per annum fee.
Abhishek's parents said they would work hard to generate enough money for his studies but hands of help simply poured in.
The coaching institute, Bhabha Academy, which provided him free classes thankfully, sponsored his tuition fees too for the next four years.
Hours after NDTV aired his story, people from all over the world emailed ndtv.com to ask how they could help Abhishek.
By Monday afternoon, he had opened a bank account - a first for the family. "I have got a lot of calls and email offers of help and I'm so happy," he said.
With strangers pitching in to ensure that he goes to the college of his dreams, Abhishek says he now owes it to all his patrons to ace his course.
"Those who are scared do not succeed. It is all about hardwork," said a beaming Abhishek.