MP board exam toppers have stories of courage, determination

“People used to laugh at me when I studied in the light of the ‘chulha’ (earthen stove) at night after power cut. Being daughter of a marginal farmer, they felt I was wasting my time as my destiny was getting married and doing household chores,” said Shivani Pawar (18), humanities topper in the Class 12 board exams.

Coming from a small village Umreth in Chhindwara district, Shivani did not let these jibes dishearten her. “I never reacted as I was determined to answer them in my way – by doing well in the exam.”

Shivani is acutely aware of the lack of education in the villages and wants to address it in her own way. “I chose humanities to become a teacher,” she said.

Lauding her father’s constant support she said, “After suffering losses in agriculture, it was tough for my father to let me continue my studies but he never burdened me with his troubles. He wanted me to study and make something of my life.”

The overall topper of class 12 Lalit Panchori from Shivpuri who secured 98.4% marks in science (Maths) stream wants to become as IAS officer.

Lalit said he did not take help of any coaching institute as his father, a teacher, could not afford it. He also believes that taking coaching has become fashionable and wants to put an end to it.

“The Goods and Services Tax fascinated me and I studied all its aspects exhaustively to understand. This widened my knowledge and I was able to do well in the exam” said commerce topper Ayushi Dhengula, who wants to simplify the tax laws of the country.

“People usually curse the taxation system. I studied at least 4-5 hours to have an in-depth knowledge of economics and commerce so that I could understand the challenges and benefits of taxation system,” said Ayushi.

Science (biology) topper Deepal Jain from Balaghat said, “The support of family helped me to achieve success. I used to study 3-4 hours daily. Now, I want to be a doctor.”

The two Class 10 toppers feel hard work is the only way to success.

A resident of Sanchi, Anamika Sadh, used to travel 20 kms daily to attend the school in Vidisha. “Initially, I felt bad travelling thinking that it was a waste of time but later I used to revise my school work while travelling and this helped me in clearing my doubts and score well,” she said.

Now she wants to become an engineer. “I want to solve problems of the common man by making them things which will lighten the burden of the people and that too at affordable price,” she said.

Another topper Harshwardhan Parmar from Shajapur studied for 14 hours a day as he was determined to be a topper. He wants to become an IAS officer as he feels they have the power to bring about positive change.

“Pollution from an illegal tyre factory in our area resulted in me and many others getting allergies, but we were unable to do anything about it. But as an IAS officer, will be able to end such irregularities, Harshwardhan said.