Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 8
Appearances indeed do deceive and the case of 19-year-old Tainla Longchar is no different. She can easily be mistaken for an ordinary pretty adolescent schoolgirl at first glance but thorough study will prove otherwise! Those brilliantly intelligent eyes, the flawless English language, the evident inner glow of sheer determination and the accompanying expression of sheer exultation at becoming Number One reflect a different person in her – a sheer genius!
Tainla topped the list in the recently-declared HSSLC notching a record overall percentage of 82% with distinction in five subjects – English, Alternative English, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science. Her only regret is that she failed to reach distinction by two marks in history. However, she says, neither she nor her family expected her to come out in the top spot. Tainla is the eldest daughter of Meren Longchar and Toshila Imchen of Longjang village under Mokokchung district.
Obviously not a girl with big dreams, she says her main inspiration was her persistent dream to one day figure in the merit list of Mezhur Higher Secondary School, from which she passed out this time, becoming the star of the school.
Asked on her aim in life, she insists that she has no particular target in mind but that she is seriously interested in taking up English literature. She also insists she has no interest in going for administrative jobs and that her only immediate plan is to continue B.A at St. Joseph College, Jakhama.
She attributes her success to the constant support of the Almighty, her school teachers, parents, and supporters including her aunt and uncle whom she lives with in Kohima. For the record, Tainla secured a record overall 82% with distinction in five subjects – English, Alternative English, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science, missing the distinction mark by a cat’s whisker with 78 marks in History. Her message to fellow students: “Never ever underestimate the power of prayer, perseverance, hard work, and above all, have faith in God and in ourselves!
