Neeraj, a Naxal-affected village in Bihar, journeyed to America.

Chhapra, May 17. Pakri Narottam, a small village in the Panapur block of Saran district, Bihar, was once known as a Naxal-affected area. Today, Neeraj Kumar Singh, a son of that village, has brought honor and respect to the entire state of Bihar by achieving international success. Struggling with rural background and limited resources, Neeraj graduated from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) at the 270th convocation of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania in the United States. Son of Pramod Singh and Geeta Devi, residents of the Diara region of Panapur, also known as Uttarakhand in Saran district, Niraj Kumar Singh is among the first generation of learners from his village.

He earned a Master of Science degree in International Educational Development. This achievement has brought pride not only to his family but to the entire Saran and Bihar.  Coming from a rural background, Neeraj never gave up on his education despite economic and social challenges. After receiving his early education in Saran district, he completed his Bachelor of Science from Jagadam College, part of Jai Prakash University, named after the great leader Jai Prakash Narayan. He then pursued postgraduate studies in Social Work from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development. He also received professional training from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.

During his academic and social work, Neeraj worked with over 150 government and non-government organizations, including global organizations such as UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme, the United States Agency for International Development, and World Vision International. During his studies at UPenn, he also mentored students from various countries as an Admissions Ambassador. He also participated in numerous international programs and conferences associated with Harvard University, Columbia University, and the United Nations.

Dean of Penn GSE, Katherine O. Strunk, addressed the convocation ceremony, wishing the students a bright future. Dennis Forte delivered the keynote address.  After the convocation, Neeraj Kumar Singh said that this achievement belongs not only to him, but to all those who supported him throughout his struggles. He also said that students from rural Bihar should believe that through hard work, dedication, and education, they can reach any stage in the world.