Meet the coolie who used railway WiFi to crack Kerala civil services exam

When Google and Indian Railways joined hands to launch WiFi in 2016, it was an initiative to empower passengers. Two years later, in Ernakulam, a coolie cleared his KPSC (Kerala Public Service Commission) exams, thanks to this very free WiFi.

Sreenath K earned a living as a coolie, carrying passengers' luggage at the railway station. When not ferrying bags, Sreenath would prepare for the civil services exam, taking notes on his phone. While at work, he listened to audio books and digital courses.

A high school passout, his story has inspired many in his region.

"I have appeared thrice for the KPSC exam, and this is the first time I used the WiFi at the station. I put on my earphones and listen to the study material as I carry the luggage, or solve questionnaires in my mind. This way, I can work and study at the same time. I revise all my work at night when I get free time," Sreenath told PTI.

Hailing from Munnar, Sreenath says the WiFi at the railway station opened up opportunities for him, starting from downloading books to question papers. He also says that the internet speed at the station is impressive at 20-40 mbps. As of now, he has qualified for the written exam of KPSC, and intends to work for his village first, says WIOnews.

I will keep studying. I work as a coolie because I have the pressure of running my house, but I will keep studying and appearing for exams. If I appear for enough exams, I am bound to get a good job, Sreenath says.

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