By Swati
New Delhi 31August 26
A recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 turned emotional when Pragati Dinesh Kalpekar, a junior clerk from Amravati, Maharashtra, shared the difficult story of her childhood, her family’s financial struggles and her dreams of becoming an IFS officer.Pragati appeared on the hot seat with her father and younger brother. Her father runs a tea stall, and despite financial difficulties, the family always prioritised the education of their children. (AajTak)
Brother Did Not Know About His Sister for Five Years One of the most emotional moments came when Pragati spoke about her childhood. Because of the family’s financial circumstances and her education, she was sent to live with her maternal grandparents.As a result, Pragati and her younger brother did not grow up together. She revealed that her brother did not even know that he had an elder sister until he was around five years old.The revelation highlighted the sacrifices made by her family to ensure that their children could continue their education despite limited financial resources. Dream of Becoming a Doctor Remained Unfulfilled
Pragati also spoke about her earlier dream of becoming a doctor. She prepared for the NEET examination with the hope of securing admission to an MBBS course. However, she could not get an MBBS seat and eventually pursued BDS.She admitted that repeated setbacks affected her confidence. According to reports, her younger brother played an important role in motivating her to overcome the disappointment and prepare for other competitive examinations. Pragati now works as a junior clerk at the Divisional Information Office in Amravati and aspires to become an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
₹12 Lakh Question Ends Her KBC Journey Pragati impressed viewers with her performance and reached the ₹12 lakh question. She still had the 50:50 lifeline available but chose not to use it.The question was related to the Komagata Maru incident of 1914, asking who had chartered the ship to challenge Canada’s immigration restrictions.Pragati selected Kartar Singh Sarabha, but the correct answer was Baba Gurdit Singh.After giving the incorrect answer, her winnings dropped to ₹5 lakh, which she ultimately took home. Despite missing the ₹12 lakh question, Pragati’s journey on KBC 18 has resonated with viewers because of her determination, her family’s sacrifices and her ambition to build a better future.
