18-year-old from Raute community breaks barriers to pursue engineering diploma

By Arjun Kafle, Syangja, May 28: Members of the endangered Raute community are scattered across various districts in western Nepal, continuing a traditionally nomadic way of life. National census data consistently shows that literacy within the community remains extremely low, with only a negligible number reaching higher education.

Against this backdrop, 18-year-old Laxman Singh Raute, from Parsuram Municipality–12 of Dadeldhura, has emerged as a remarkable exception. He is currently pursuing a Diploma in Civil Engineering on a full government scholarship at the Kisan Polytechnic Institute in Chapakot, Syangja.

Now in his second semester, Raute is the eldest son of father Dan Singh Raute and mother Deepa Devi Raute. He completed his secondary education from Parsuram Municipality–1 and initially aspired to study in Kathmandu, but financial constraints led him to Chapakot instead.

Speaking about his family background, Laxman said he lives with his father, two mothers, one brother, and three sisters. His father studied up to secondary level, while his mother has education up to grade eight. He added that having relatively educated members within the family has played a role in enabling his own educational journey.

Raute shared that he first learned about the opportunity for free study through a friend, which brought him to the institute. Although his dream of studying in Kathmandu could not be fulfilled due to financial limitations, he said he is satisfied that his ambition to pursue technical education has materialised.

He further noted that he is the first person from his village to study Diploma in Civil Engineering, and he aspires to complete higher studies and serve the country through government service. “If there is determination and courage to do something, then adverse circumstances or social background cannot stop success,” he said, reflecting on his journey. According to Shiva Pandey, Chief of the institution, the Kisan Polytechnic Institute, considered one of the leading technical institutes in Gandaki Province, offers three-year programmes in agriculture (Animal Science and Crop Science, 40 students each), as well as Computer Engineering and Civil Engineering (48 students per semester each).

The institute currently provides special scholarships to around 10 students from marginalised communities like the Raute, while an additional 20 students receive other forms of financial assistance. The campus also provides free hostel facilities.

Spread over 30 ropanis of land, the institute was built with an investment of around Rs. 150 million by the government of Nepal.

Principal Pandey said Raute’s determination to transform challenges into opportunities serves as an inspiring example for society at large, demonstrating that background and adversity need not define one’s future.