Student seen studying in the light of petrol pump in Ranchi, created panic till CM office… then got everything from free education to home

Ranchi: The power of social media and the tireless struggle of a mother have together awakened a new ray of hope in the life of a small child from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. When the picture of Alex Munda studying under the headlights and dim light of a petrol pump went viral on social media, it was not just an emotional picture, but became the beginning of change.

Mother became support after father’s departure

Alex Munda’s story is no less than a film script. After the death of his father a few years ago, the responsibility of the family completely fell on the shoulders of his mother Nutan Toppo. The financial crisis was so severe that there was not even electricity in the house. Despite this, Nutan did not give up. She would work at a petrol pump all day long and help her son study in the light of the same pump at night. A tribal mother had only one dream. His son should live a better life by studying.

33 second video

Alex’s life came into limelight when a video of just 33 seconds was shared from Sunny Sharad’s account on social media platform X. In this video, Alex was seen sitting on the ground and studying with all his heart. Thousands of people became emotional after watching the video and it quickly went viral. Within no time this video reached Ranchi Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Taking immediate cognizance of the video, CM Soren issued guidelines to the DM of Ranchi.

,@DC_Ranchi Take cognizance and inform by providing all possible help for Alex’s studies. https://t.co/TtGBPUpWPL

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) December 21, 2025

Administration showed sensitivity

As soon as the video surfaced, Ranchi district administration immediately took cognizance. Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri called the mother and son to his office and understood their situation closely. After this, the administration took many important decisions to secure Alex’s future. This was not just a formal help, but a systematic plan, so that Alex’s studies could proceed without any hindrance.

Alex got this great support

It was first announced by the administration that Alex would be given a scholarship of Rs 4,000 every month for his studies. Apart from this, his entire fees was waived off in the school where he is currently studying. Not only this, after one year Alex will be admitted to a residential school, where his education, living and other needs will be completely free. The administration also assured to provide government accommodation to his mother Nutan Toppo.

Struggle, compassion and victory of the system

Alex Munda’s story proves that when a mother’s determination, the digital voice of the society and the sensitivity of the administration come together, no matter how difficult the circumstances are, change is possible. The child whose education was once limited to the light of the petrol pump, today has opened many doors to a bright future.

Alex became an example of hope

Today Alex is not just a child, but an inspiration for millions of children who dream despite poverty and lack of resources. His story gives the message that if the courage is strong and the society supports, then no dream remains unfulfilled.