GUWAHATI, June 25 - Fighting against all odds, some students residing in slum or peri-urban areas of Guwahati passed the Higher Secondary final examinations conducted by the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC), scoring good marks.
�From my childhood, I have been fighting at every step of my life. Today I am very happy with the result. At last my hard work has paid off,� said Sonmani Barua, a resident of Maghuapara locality of the city.
Sonmani scored 71 per cent marks in the Arts stream from Binapani Academy with letter marks in Logic and Philosophy. Her mother, who works as a helper at a private school, is the sole bread-earner in the family.
�After a long time today my mother has found a reason to celebrate. I am also grateful to World Vision India, an NGO working for people residing in slum and peri-urban areas of Guwahati, that helped me at every step,� Sonmani added.
Also a State-level football player who represented Assam a number of times, Sonmani now wants to pursue BA with education as major.
Pritima Swargiary, another successful student and resident of Hirimbapur area of the city, said, �In my locality, sale and consumption of local liquor are regular features. As such, the environment is not conducive for studies. Still, I tried to do my best.�
A State-level taekwondo player, Pritima scored 61.8 per cent marks in the Science stream from Cotton University. �I am very lucky that at Cotton University, I got scope to pursue both my education and sports activities. During my higher secondary days I took part in many national level competitions too,� she said.
Daughter of a daily wage labourer, Pritima wants to be a doctor. She also thanked World Vision India for the help she has received from it. �Now I will try my best to get a sit in any medical college. Hope I can fulfil my dream,� she added.
Chonchon Luithui, an official of World Vision India, said, �The financial condition of these students is very weak. So we tried our best to help them. I am very happy with the results.�
