Against All Odds; Meet Few Board Exam Toppers Who Won Against Adversity

Remember those occasions when we used to complain about studying for board exams. A lot of complains, even though we had no liabilities or responsibilities other than being a good student. Carefree, hope-filled school days when our parents tried to provide us with the best education even at the cost of their own comfort. Here are some students who faced a lot more adversity than most of us, and yet managed to rise to the top.

However, it’s important to mention at the beginning that exam and results are a part of life. These don’t measure a student’s worth as a human being. Getting fewer marks isn’t the end of the road, but achievement despite adversity is nothing to be scorned at either.

Aafreen Shaikh, 98.31% In Gujarat Class 10 Board Exams

The 16-year-old student of FD High School in Ahmedabad’s Juhapura scored 98.31% in her class 10th boards. Aafreen is now hopeful of achieving her dream of pursuing MBBS and becoming a doctor.

“I studied regularly. I want to pursue MBBS in the future. My parents always dreamt of making me a doctor and I will surely fulfil their dreams,” Aafreen spoke to ANI.

For Aafreen’s father, Shaikh Mohammad Hamza, this is a proud vindication of his decision to support Aafreen’s education through his limited earnings. They are a family of four, and Shaikh is an autorickshaw driver.

He said to the Times of India, “I nurture a family of four and will do all that I can to educate my daughter and fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor. We’ve never differentiated between a girl or a male child and I will be the most proud if my daughters study and become independent. I am trying to arrange for financial assistance so that Aafreen can pursue a career of her choice.”

Prince Kumar, 97% in CBSE Class 12 Board Exams

Prince is the topper among all government school students in Delhi. He did it despite missing one month of school due to being diagnosed with TB around last July.

Kumar, an IIT-JEE and NDA aspirant, is a science stream student at the Delhi’s government’s Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV). His dreams of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) were hit hard by the Tuberculosis. As NDA exam involves medical fitness tests, and his family’s limited means meant it was difficult to spend a lot of money on fruits, milk and other recuperative items.

Prince’s father is a bus driver employed with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The family lives in a one-room house in Palam.

“We have a bathroom attached to the room that my father converted into a study room. It is very small and accommodates just a table and chair. My elder sister and I take turns to study in that room. Sometimes when we study at the same time, my parents sit in the kitchen so they don’t disturb us,” Kumar said, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Delhi’s education minister, Manish Sisodia, and Inspector General of UP police, Navniet Sekera also tweeted their appreciation.

Very proud moment, just congratulated Prince Kumar,topper of Delhi Govt school, Science stream in Class 12,

Son of a DTC bus driver has got 97% with 100/100 in Maths, 99/100 Eco, 98/100 in Chemistry #DelhiEducationRevolution pic.twitter.com/IeaxhNpX9m

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) May 26, 2018

Prince, a Delhi bus driver's son topped the CBSE class 12th exams in science stream, studying at a government school! Wow! Really, we can make excuses or we can work hard & make history. Well done Prince, you will go a long way.#News #SundayMorning #12thResult pic.twitter.com/1LVbBBgbri

— Navniet Sekera (@navsekera) May 27, 2018

The Logical Indian Take

These are but two examples of students who have soared high amidst adversity. Just from Delhi government schools alone, the humanities stream topper’s father is an assistant sub-inspector, and the commerce stream topper’s father spoke about the challenges of educating his daughter through limited means. Just imagine, among all the Indian students, how many more such inspiring stories don’t reach our ears. We wish them all the best in all their future endeavours.

The stories of humans who brave unfavourable odds are a source of inspiration.

If you know anyone who has faced adversity after adversity and still stood tall, you can comment, DM us, or mail to [email protected].