Guwahati: Proving once again that merit has nothing to do with the economic background of the students, many economically backward families from the remotest corners of Assam have passed the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) conducted 10th exams with flying colours.
Barakha Gogoi from Assam's Sarupathar is a shining example of how grit and determination can overcome the stiffest of obstacles. The 17-year-old, daughter of Bimal Gogoi, a carpenter, and Moromi Gogoi, a mid-day meal worker, has wowed by securing 79.83 percent marks in this year's High School Leaving Certificate. She also got letter marks in mathematics, social science, and Assamese subjects.
A thrilled Barakha told The Sentinel Digital, "I am happy with my result and am indebted to my parents, teachers, and neighbors who helped me. I want to study Arts and become a good teacher."
The teen also informed us that since electricity is yet to reach the household, she had to resort to studying underneath the kerosine lamp. Meanwhile, this precocious teen feels that the Government should help her realize her dreams. "I belong to an extremely humble family. Since my parents cannot afford the expenses for higher education, I request the Education Department of the Assam government and the NGOs to help me."
Meanwhile, the parents are elated at this unexpected turn of events. "I go to school and prepare mid-day meals for the students and earn very meagre wages for my family, which is not enough. Her father is a carpenter but his duties are not on a regular basis", Barakha's mother said, adding, "Barakha my daughter has seen days of extreme poverty, but she never demanded anything. She owns only a single pair of clothes. Sometimes, we go to bed without food, but she has a lot of patience".