Our Bureau
SHILLONG/ TURA/ JOWAI: He gave up coal business to pursue his dream of excelling in the field of education and the result is there for all to see. Age is no bar for 31-year-old BBS College student Pema Lama who has achieved the feat of becoming the topper of Commerce Stream in the Higher Secondary School Leaving examination (HSSLC) examinations, result of which was declared on Monday.
Already married, Lama backed himself to follow his passion and as a result brought laurels to his institution.
Lama, who was a coal trader from Borsora realized that education was his call and devoted much time to realize his dream.
While speaking to The Shillong Times on Monday, Lama revealed that he started his studies for the examination right from the first day and added that he was motivated by his teachers all along.
According to Lama, hard work and time management is the key to secure good marks in any examination.
Asked about his future plans, Lama said, “I would pursue B.Com first. Then I want to join MBA course. My ambition is to become an entrepreneur.” He also stressed the need for students to use social media tool productively for their own educational benefits.
“Youths today use cell phones and social media tools including Facebook for just chatting, but I used to read informative articles about my subjects online in my cell phone which helped me a lot,” Lama said.
The topper also said that social media tool can be of great help to students depending on how they use it.
To a query on a common perception that Mathematics and Science are the toughest subjects for any undergraduate student, the topper said, “Nothing is impossible if the students work hard. We just need to have the will power and success will be ours”.
Meanwhile, topper in the Science stream, Amaayaa Goswami, who aims to be an astrophysicist, also expressed joy at her success. “I did not think I will come first, although I did expect to get a rank,” an elated Amaayaa said adding that she studied for 10-12 hours a day even as she ensured that there was time for leisure.
Being intrigued as a child with stars, galaxies and the cosmos, she dreams to be an astrophysicist.
“I will pursue B.Sc in Physics outside the state,” she said.
Second position holder in Commerce from St Anthony’s College, Sagnik Choudhury surprisingly studied for only two hours a day devoting the rest of his time to “swimming and other activities.” Choudhury aims to become an investment banker and wishes to get crack the Common Admission Test (CAT) exams to get into IIM-Ahmadabad.
On being asked whether MBOSE exams were comparatively easier than CBSE, the toppers from the Science and Commerce streams said that every board examination is the same.
Meanwhile, Principal of St Anthony’s School, Rev. Fr. Bernard Grace Pala said that students should be credited with the success in the examinations for their devotion to studies.
He also observed that family atmosphere and background plays a key role in motivating the students.
However, there are some, who through their sheer determination tide over the limitations posed by their background.
One such student is Beristar Swer of Jowai who despite being from a humble background secured second position in the HSSLC (Science). Swer, a student of Jowai Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School, who secured only eight marks less than the stream topper, aims to be a doctor.
Sixth position holder (Science) from Don Bosco College, Tura, Drishti De said that said she would be checking out various engineering colleges in the country to pursue her career. Another one of her dreams is to carry out research studies and contribute to make the world a safer and better place, free of pollution.