I am Umesh Chandra Singh Bisht, originally from Village Jaurasi, Block Chaukhutia, District Almora, Uttarakhand. I completed my 12th standard from Government Inter College, Jaurasi in year 1985. Since then, I have been away from my village—initially for higher education and later for my professional career.

My village, Jaurasi, is a serene hilltop location situated at an altitude of around 6,000 feet. It lies at the centre of block Chaukhutia and block Syalde, as well as Dwarahat and Salt Assembly constituencies of Uttarakhand.

After working as a Programmer Analyst with Magic Software for a year, I joined Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in 1993 as a Management Trainee. Over the years, I have served in various capacities across India, and I am presently working as Chief General Manager (Vigilance) at IOCL, Delhi.

In 2007, I began a personal social initiative titled “Pratibha”, a written talent test for students of Classes 9 and 10 from all schools across Chaukhutia and Syalde Blocks, District Almora. As of 2024, 18 successful editions of this exam have been conducted.

The examination is held every year on 25th December at two centers namely Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Chaukhutia & Government Inter College, Syalde.

The top 10 students from government schools and the top 5 students from private schools are recognized for their performance in the written test. The prize distribution ceremony is organized at my hometown, Jaurasi, on 28th or 29th December, depending on the availability of the chief guest.

Eminent personalities—such as MLAs, Block Pramukhs, BEOs, BDOs, Principals and HODs of BTKIT Dwarahat, and respected social workers in that area—are invited to grace the event as Chief Guests.

The written test consists of 75 questions (55 from general Mathematics, 20 questions from general English / general knowledge). The questions are inspired by the level of competitive exams such as Bank PO/Clerical, SSC, and Olympiads, ensuring that students are exposed to rigorous academic standards. No participation fee is charged — the entire initiative is self-funded and conducted purely as part of my Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), without forming any NGO or society.

In the most recent Pratibha exam, top 10 students from 50 Govt. schools were given a total prize of Rs. 17,500/- (1st Rs. 2200, 2nd Rs. 2100, 3rd Rs. 2000, 4th Rs. 1900 so on.......... 9th Rs. 1400 and 10th Rs. 1300 respectively) and top 5 students from 7 Private schools are given a total prize of Rs. 7,500/- (1st Rs. 1700, 2nd Rs. 1600, 3rd Rs. 1500, 4th Rs. 1400 and 5th Rs. 1300 respectively) along with a certificate.

The objectives of this endeavor are to

1. Serve the society I belong to

2. Keep the children away from the habit of smoking / drinking / consuming Gutkha etc

3. Inculcate the habit of studying in youngsters of this remote and rural area

4. Make youngsters more competitive

5. Prepare them for competitive exams they would face later in their life

6. All-round development of Chaukhutia and Syalde block

Though professional commitments often keep me away from my hometown, I make it a point to return every year to personally organize and oversee the Pratibha Exam. This initiative remains close to my heart as a small step toward nurturing young minds and uplifting the education ecosystem of my native region.

I may be contacted through

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