From a Jharkhand coal town to the University of Sussex: How Baijnath Kumar Paswan secured the Chevening Scholarship

Growing Up Near Mines

Baijnath Kumar Paswan grew up in Bermo, a coal-mining region in Jharkhand surrounded by underground mines, heavy dust, and air pollution. As the first person in his family to travel abroad for higher education, he faced early hurdles as a first-generation learner whose family prioritised immediate entry-level jobs over higher studies.

Securing the Scholarship

After failing on his first try and landing on the reserve list during his second attempt, Baijnath secured the Chevening Scholarship on his third try. The award enabled him to study Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.

Student Leadership in the UK

While studying abroad, Baijnath won election as a Senate Member representing the Student Union, taking part in institutional debates on artificial intelligence in research. He also served as a Senior Representative for the Sussex Business School and earned a Chevening Volunteering Award from FCDO in London for community work.

Research in South Africa

Baijnath secured a fully funded dissertation research opportunity with Pele Energy Group in South Africa, focusing on energy access and infrastructure in Touwsrivier near Cape Town. His fieldwork examined how transport, energy, and digital connectivity shape livelihoods and entrepreneurship in peri-urban communities.

Context

The Chevening Scholarship is a global awards programme funded by the UK government that brings future leaders to study in Britain. First-generation learners in resource-dependent regions often face unique social and informational barriers when navigating global scholarship pathways.