Last Updated:
He prioritised conceptual clarity and hands-on learning over rote memorisation, which remains a widespread challenge in many rural parts of India.
Almost 1,000 students attend his classes now. (Photo Credit: X/@CommanMan777589)
A story from Bihar is winning praise online after a viral video highlighted how one man’s determination transformed his early academic struggles into a grassroots education movement now impacting nearly 1,000 students every day. A post shared by The Better India brought attention to Rohit Kumar, a teacher from Bhagalpur who once barely passed Class 10 and sold 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 viral video read: “He once struggled to pass Class 10. Today, 1,000 students climb to his rooftop classroom at 5 a.m. From charging Rs 125 and teaching four children to building a movement that challenges rote learning, Rohit Kumar turned doubt into determination.”
He once struggled to pass Class 10. Today, 1,000 students climb to his rooftop classroom at 5 a.m. 💛 From charging ₹125 and teaching four children to building a movement that challenges rote learning, Rohit Kumar turned doubt into determination. His mother once sold cow dung… pic.twitter.com/HCHPbzzjOn
— Comman Man (@CommanMan777589) February 14, 2026
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.
Building SCS Online
Kumar launched his initiative, SCS Online, in 2022 with just four students. His focus was on practical understanding and hands-on learning rather than rote memorisation, a common challenge in many parts of rural India.
What started as a small neighbourhood effort quickly grew into a larger movement. Students began creating and sharing videos of classroom activities on social media, helping spread awareness about the unique rooftop school. Over time, enrolment increased dramatically, turning the modest terrace into a bustling learning space each morning.
Today, nearly 1,000 students reportedly attend his sessions daily, climbing up to the rooftop classroom as early as 5 a.m. for lessons in mathematics and science.
Corporate Support and Wider 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 I feel pride and optimism for Bharat. All these kids, from humble backgrounds in Bihar, so eager to learn maths and science, will define the future of our nation. We will be happy to support this effort through our foundation,” Vembu said.
I see this and I feel pride and optimism for Bharat. All these kids, from humble backgrounds in Bihar, so eager to learn maths and science, will define the future of our nation. We will be happy to support this effort through our foundation. https://t.co/oAYX9el3YF— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) February 15, 2026
The post also gained attention from Swiggy Instamart who said, “Giving away a month’s supply of Kurkure to my chatpate new followers. Follow me to try your luck!”
Another comment read, “A clear head & Determination can do wonders. All my blessings for this young man. Hope he gets mentioned in @PMOIndia’s Mann Ki Baat.”
But another person chipped in with a different point of view in this regard, “Inspiring story, but notice how we romanticise struggle while ignoring why it had to be that hard in the first place. Individual grit makes heroes; functioning systems make them unnecessary.”
Inspired by Anand Kumar’s Classes
One can claim Rohit was inspired by Anand Kumar’s Super 30 classes, which prepare 30 underprivileged students for the IIT-JEE. But it is undeniably a fact that the deed by Rohit deserves special recognition.
Delhi, India, India
February 16, 2026, 17:14 IST
Read More
