It is often assumed that a long and successful run on a prestigious stage like Kaun Banega Crorepati requires heavy academic degrees and professional qualifications. However, during the September 2 episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, Pooja Das from Vasalipur Grant village in Uttar Pradesh shattered this myth completely. A simple homemaker with only a 12th-grade education, Pooja utilized her sharp intelligence and strong general knowledge to secure a handsome prize amount of Rs 12.5 lakh.
Overcoming Adversity to Pursue Education
Pooja Das's remarkable achievement serves as a shining example for millions of students and homemakers who underestimate themselves due to a lack of resources or formal degrees. Having lost both her parents at a very young age and getting married at 21, she never allowed her passion for learning and education to fade away. Sitting on the coveted hotseat of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Pooja shared her extraordinary educational journey, leaving the show's host Amitabh Bachchan deeply impressed by her courage and determination.
Re-taking the 12th Board Exams After Marriage
The educational journey of Pooja Das is filled with fascinating twists and struggles. She faced numerous hardships while completing her schooling. After losing her mother at the age of 15 and her father at 17, she faced immense social pressure to quit studies and get married. While education usually takes a back seat for most women after marriage, Pooja's in-laws, especially her mother-in-law, motivated her to keep studying. She initially completed her 12th grade in the arts stream, but later, after marriage, she chose the science stream and successfully passed her 12th board examinations once again.
Mastering Fluent English Without a College Background
On the hotseat of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Pooja Das conversed with Amitabh Bachchan in English with absolute confidence. Her command over the English language left the audience astonished. Pooja explained that her early schooling took place in an English-medium school, which helped build a strong foundational base. In a rural environment where women often remain bound by traditional veils and restrictions, Pooja kept her perspective broad. She intentionally chose the English language for her social media presence so she could express herself freely without local interference or taunts.
Effective Use of Self-Study and Digital Learning
Reaching the threshold of the Rs 25 lakh question without any coaching or college degree is a monumental feat. It proves that with the proper utilization of mobile phones and the internet, exceptional knowledge can be acquired right from home. Amidst managing household chores and taking care of her 2-year-old daughter, Pooja continuously updated her general knowledge through the internet and books. Two years ago, she ventured into content creation by making recipe videos with her mother-in-law, and she now creates content centered around women empowerment and education.
The Crucial 25 Lakh Rupee Question
By the final stages of the game, Pooja Das was left with no lifelines. For the Rs 25 lakh question, she was asked a difficult historical query regarding the United Nations Memorial Cemetery located in South Korea. Choosing not to take an unnecessary risk, she made the wise decision to quit the game and walk away with Rs 12.5 lakh. The core message of Pooja's inspiring journey is that an eager desire to learn matters far more than formal degrees. If a person possesses true determination, they can reach the greatest heights even with a 12th-grade qualification.
