The way to the top

Four hard working and sincere students have climbed their way to occupy the top spots in the HSLC and HSSLC examinations 2014, results for which were declared today by the Nagaland Board of School Education. The Morung Express obtained reactions and comments from each of the toppers.

Securing the top rank in HSSLC Arts Stream with 88 percent and distinction in all the subjects, 18 year old Takatemjen Pongen, from Mezhür Higher Secondary School Kohima states, “I consider my profession as a student, a ‘calling’ and thrive to do better.”

Takatemjen wakes up at 5.30 am and studies for four hours each day- one hour in the morning and three hours in the evening. He owes his achievement to God and the hardwork he put in his studies. “No matter how long or short I study, I dedicate each hour to God. I consider myself not only lucky but blessed.” Takatemjen asserts that there are four builders for his achievements: his parents, his school, well-wishers and his performance.  

His favourite subject is Political Science and he aims to become an administrator in the future. He view that academics are not the only achievements in life. Other co-curricular activities such as debates held in classes, youth parliament and seminars etc. immensely helped him.  “I believe in the practical more than the theory.”

Takatemjen feels that Naga students need to inculcate the virtue of hardwork in order to succeed. “Everyone gets a chance. Chances do not just come and bow down before you. You have to create chances,” he concludes.

Shubhamkar Barman of Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, with 96.67%, topped the HSLC exam. Shubhamkar scored 100 marks in Science and Book Keeping & Accounting and was also subject topper in Hindi.

Spending an average 10 hours of studying which increased during exams, Shubhamkar had a set routine for studying. “Without routine, it is not possible,” Shubhamkar says.
He wants to become an electronic engineer or a mechanical engineer, but fears that engineering might not exactly be a good job prospect. With the innumerable engineering graduates without jobs, he fears he could end up without a job. He has applied to NERIST and plans to pursue his further studies there.

Amasha Das from St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, topped the HSSLC Science stream with a total mark of 92% and distinction in all six subjects i.e., English, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology, Computer Science.

Besides studying, her daily routine included an hour of leisure and games. “I have to go out and play every evening from 4-5,” she says. “I studied 8-10 hours on an average and more during exams,” she adds.

Amasha wants to become a doctor and is preparing for the All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT). Amisha attributes her success to her parents and teachers and is also grateful to the school for providing her with support.

Hasina Begam of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, topped the HSSLC Commerce stream with 90.50% and distinctions in English, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Hindi.

“It feels great,” Hasina says and adds “I did not expect to be in top 10 to be fair, because it is very competitive.”

Hasina credits her teachers and school Principal for her success. “My principal called up my parents and asked them to look after me at home for six months and not burden me with household chores, so that I can concentrate on studying,” she says. Hasina’s parents kept her away from household chores for more than 6 months. “I don’t know how to make tea,” Hasina laughs.