Father willing to go extra mile for son

LUCKNOW: He has never played with building blocks. His small-time farmer father could never afford costly toys. But, Gyan Prakash’s dream is to become a structural engineer of repute. Given his resolve, and that of his father, lack of means should not come in his way.
UP board’s class XII topper is really an inspiration. A farmer’s only son, Gyan Prakash Verma of Barabanki became a celebrity minutes after the results were announced at 12.30 pm in Allahabad.The news flashed on television soon after. Seeing the breaking news, Gyan’s mentor uncle Rahul Verma informed him.What makes him an inspiration for others is his humble background.
His father Arvind is a small time farmer in Kisarwa village. "I have about six acres of land and farming is the only source of income. Last year, I opened a small shop too. But it is mainly because of my wife that all my children have been able to study," said the father who has plans to sell off his tractor to help Gyan join a coaching institute in Kota.
"I do not want to opt for traditional streams like software or networking, I wish to take up structural engineering," he said. His mother Sangeeta said that power cuts in their village obstructed his studies but he always caught up by getting up early.
"I was married when I was just 15. All I want in life is that my children should study till they want," she said.