GUWAHATI, June 13 � Away from media glare, a school located in the remote Indo-Bhutan border in Baksa district has quietly scripted a success story in the recently-concluded HSLC Examination.
More than its overall pass percentage of 96, what makes the results all the more commendable is the fact that a number of students from the Lakshminath Bezbaruah Govt High School in village Natun Borola, are from economically weak backgrounds. Add to it the fact that the village and the adjoining areas lack basic infrastructure and amenities like proper road and power, pursuing studies is a tough challenge for the students.
The perseverance and commitment of the students is best exemplified by the accomplishment of Pranjal Das � the son of daily wage earning parents -- who had an aggregate of 85.6 per cent and also secured hundred per cent marks in General Mathematics. Of the total 40-odd students of the school, seven got first division with letter marks, while only three students failed.
A resident of Natun Borola, Pranjal attributes his success to hard work and support from his teachers. �We have no electricity and my parents could not even afford the monthly school fees. I used to borrow all the books from my seniors. I practised mathematics on the blank reverse sides of old calendars,� he told The Assam Tribune.
Son of Sharat Das and Bijuli Das, Pranjal said he was happy at his result more for his parents and teachers. He now wants to study science and become a doctor. �I want to be a doctor and then I will offer free treatment to those like us, i.e., below poverty line (BPL) people,� he said.
The headmaster of the school, Aswini Das said that Pranjal was an attentive, well-behaved student all along, and his results testified to his qualities.
�We knew he would come out with flying colours. When I came to learn that his parents were not in a position to pay the monthly fees and examination fees, we waived all dues and fees for him since Class VI. We all are elated with his and his classmates� results,� he said.
Senior citizen of the locality, actor Hemen Sarma said Pranjal�s performance would inspire others to pursue their studies with zeal even against heavy odds. �We are very happy with his result. We are proud of him,� he added.
Young Pranjal was recently felicitated for his performance and presented the Mokhyoda- Haraballav merit scholarship along with a citation and cash by Binoy Kumar Sarma, retired district and sessions judge, and his wife Padma Devi.
�Facing many hurdles since the age of eight, Pranjal has shown that adversities mean little if one is armed with dedication and perseverance. His performance will surely inspire others, especially those coming from similar backgrounds,� Sarma said.
