Latest update:16 February 2026 at 17:15 IST

He prioritized conceptual clarity and practical learning over rote memorization, which remains a widespread challenge in many rural areas of India.

Nearly 1,000 students now attend his classes. (Image source: X/@Comman777589)

A story from Bihar is receiving praise online after a viral video showed how one man’s determination turned his early academic struggles into a grassroots education movement that now affects nearly 1,000 students every day. A post by The Better India drew attention to Rohit Kumar, a teacher from Bhagalpur who had barely passed Class 10 and was selling vegetables to support himself. Today, he runs daily classes for hundreds of students on his rooftop, charging just Rs 125 per student.

The caption accompanying the video that went viral reads: “He was once struggling to pass Class 10. Today, 1,000 students take to his rooftop classroom at 5 am. From paying Rs 125 and teaching four kids to building a movement that challenges rote learning, Rohit Kumar has turned doubt into determination.”

According to the post, Kumar’s mother once sold cow dung to pay for his education. Now she watches him teach thousands of children from the same rooftop where his initiative began.

Build SCS online

Kumar launched his SCS Online initiative in 2022 with just four students. His focus was on practical understanding and hands-on learning rather than rote memorization, a common challenge in many parts of rural India.

What started as a small neighborhood effort quickly turned into a larger movement. Students began creating videos of classroom activities and sharing them on social media, which helped spread awareness about the unique rooftop school. Over time, enrollment increased dramatically, transforming the modest balcony into a bustling learning space every morning.

Today, nearly 1,000 students are said to attend his sessions daily, ascending to rooftop classrooms as early as 5 a.m. for math and science lessons.

Corporate support and broader impact

The story also caught the attention of Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, who pledged support to help expand Kumar’s affordable education model into the online space.

“I see this and feel proud and optimistic about Bharat. All these children, from humble backgrounds in Bihar, who are so passionate about learning mathematics and science, will determine the future of our nation. We will be happy to support this effort through our foundation,” Vembu said.

The post also gained attention from Swiggy Instamart who said, “Giving away a month’s supply of Kurkure to my new followers on the chat site. Follow me to try your luck!”

Another comment read: “A clear mind and determination can do wonders. All my blessings to this young man. Hope he gets mentioned in @PMOIndia’s Mann Ki Baat.”

But another person shared a different view on the matter, “Inspiring story, but notice how we romanticize the conflict while ignoring why it has to be so difficult in the first place. Individual determination makes heroes; functioning systems make them unnecessary.”

Inspired by Anand Kumar’s lessons

One could claim that Rohit was inspired by Anand Kumar’s Super 30 classes, which prepare 30 underprivileged students for IIT-JEE. But the undeniable fact is that the action done by Rohit deserves special recognition.

Read more