After the recent movie “12th Fail,” which portrays the struggles of a UPSC aspirant, the term “12th fail” has gained popularity across the internet. Today, The Chenab Times is introducing you to a real-life 12th fail, Dhiraj Takri, a 21-year-old from Odisha. He has become a social media phenomenon, followed by millions for his unique spoken English skills. Captivating the internet with his infectious energy and near-perfect American accent, his Instagram reels, viewed by millions in India, delve into the world of spoken English, offering an unconventional and engaging approach to mastering pronunciation.
But Takri’s journey is far from the typical “overnight success” story. His passion for the language, however, burns bright. “I’ve been working on this accent for years,” he shared with The Chenab Times, “not just for myself, but to help others.”
Fueled by this desire to help and a keen awareness of the competitive social media landscape, Takri carved his own unique niche. “What I teach is rare,” he explains, “and I wanted to be different even within that category.”
This uniqueness shines through in his content. Initially focused on short, English-only videos, Takri has evolved to incorporate Hindi and extend his reels to cater to audience demand. The result is a dynamic, accessible learning experience that resonates with viewers.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1ZinnpreZR/?igsh=MWc1OHBhd2I1bXV4cQ==
Takri’s qualifications, a frequent topic of curiosity among his followers, are unconventional. He admits to failing his 12th-grade exams in 2019, marking the end of his formal education. However, his thirst for knowledge remained. “I learned this accent from YouTube,” he reveals, “listening to native speakers and imitating them.” His dedication to self-learning, fueled by countless hours spent consuming English content, is a testament to his unwavering passion.
For aspiring English learners, Takri’s message is one of perseverance and consistency. “There are no shortcuts,” he emphasizes. “Consume English content, think in English, and practice speaking, even if it’s just to yourself.” He shares his own experience of recording himself, a technique that proved pivotal in his learning journey.
Dhiraj Takri’s story is inspiring not only for its focus on self-improvement but also for its celebration of diversity and accessibility. From his small Odisha town to the vast virtual classroom of Instagram, he is breaking down barriers, proving that effective language learning can happen anywhere, anytime, with the right motivation and a dash of creativity.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2TyPKJABP-/?igsh=N3p4bG42azI1N3Bz
So, the next time you scroll through Instagram, take a moment to listen to Dhiraj Takri. You might just learn a thing or two, not just about pronunciation, but about the power of dedication and the endless possibilities of self-education.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
