Srijani Mukherjee, a 17-year-old student from Kolkata’s The Future Foundation School, has made history by becoming the first girl to top the ISC Class XII exams without identifying with any surname or religion. In a bold and unprecedented move, she chose to register for her board exams without a surname and declared ‘humanity’ as her only religion, challenging deep-rooted social, economic, and religious inequalities.
Achieving a perfect score in the 2025 ISC exams, Srijani’s feat has been widely praised by education officials, political leaders, and social activists. State power minister Aroop Biswas lauded her courage and vision, while her family emphasised the importance of dignity and equality in nurturing her values.
Srijani now aims to pursue physics or mathematics at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, inspiring students across India to embrace inclusivity and meritocracy over identity markers.
Breaking Barriers with Courage and Conviction
Srijani’s decision to omit her surname and reject religious affiliation was not a spontaneous act but a deeply considered stand against the pervasive caste and religious divisions in Indian society. Prior to the exams, she sought and received special permission from the ISC board to appear without a surname – a rare exception that highlights the growing recognition of individual identity beyond traditional labels.
Her school principal, Ranjan Mitter, expressed strong support, stating, “As long as legal formalities are fulfilled, students must be allowed to live with dignity and self-respect.” Srijani herself articulated her opposition to all forms of inequality and communal aggression, advocating for a society rooted in tolerance and mutual respect.
Her parents, Gopa Mukherjee, an assistant professor, and Debasish Goswami, a mathematician, have consciously raised their children free from caste, creed, and religious burdens, rejecting patriarchal and hierarchical norms. This family ethos has been pivotal in shaping Srijani’s worldview and academic excellence.
Contextualising a Landmark Achievement
Srijani’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful symbol in the ongoing discourse on social justice and educational equity in India. Historically, surnames and religious identities have often dictated social standing, access to opportunities, and even perceptions of merit.
By excelling academically while consciously shedding these markers, Srijani challenges the entrenched norms that perpetuate discrimination and division. Her family’s decision to omit surnames even on official documents like birth certificates further underscores their commitment to dismantling caste and religious hierarchies.
The felicitation by local MLA and state power minister Aroop Biswas, who praised her “visionary courage,” signals an encouraging shift in official attitudes towards inclusivity. This landmark event is inspiring educational institutions and civil society to rethink policies and practices to create spaces where all students can thrive regardless of identity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate Srijani’s remarkable journey as a beacon of hope and a clarion call to transcend superficial divisions that fragment our society. Her story embodies the values we hold dear: empathy, harmony, coexistence, and the unwavering belief that humanity should come before all else.
In a country where caste and religion have long been used to divide, Srijani’s success reminds us that true progress lies in recognising individuals for their character, talent, and humanity rather than inherited identities. This moment invites us all to reflect on how we can actively dismantle the barriers that hinder equal opportunity and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion.
How can communities, educational institutions, and policymakers work together to ensure that every individual’s potential is nurtured and celebrated without prejudice? We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and join us in building a more equitable and compassionate society.
