From Our Correspondent
PHULBARI, Oct 1: For Joyarani Das and her family, who was recently placed 18th in the SSLC exams earlier this year, life has been a tough journey especially with finances being the main cause of worry. Das passed her SSLC from JN Higher Secondary School in the town of Phulbari, an institution that has been producing toppers almost each year.
The family of five is run by Joyarani’s father who runs a small shop in the town of Phulbari though the meager income from the shop makes it difficult to provide food as well as education to the children of the family. While her elder sister is married, Joyarani’s younger brother studies in the same school.
Joya’s affinity towards studies was known from an early age, with another school in Phulbari, supporting her through the initial years of her education when her parents could not afford to provide. As the private school only had classes up to Class VIII, it was only natural that she looked at another institution that could help educate her.
“She was always a bright student and dedicated a lot of time to her studies. We are thankful that everyone that has known about her has supported her.
Initially, it was the school she was in that helped her with additional support and thereafter it was the JN HS School which took up the responsibility and she did well to place 18th,” said the mother of the student.
Joyarani, who aims to become a cardiologist in the future, stated she was a little disappointed with her results as she as well as her teachers expected better marks. She now has her sights on the Higher Secondary exams and has begun her earnest preparations for it. The entire school management is not only backing the efforts of Joyarani but has promised to continue their support even after she leaves school.
“We have a very selfish motive to support her as we want her to be an inspiration for the rest of the students to do better in their exams. This is what our school and our children need. Education is extremely important for all and if we can have more performers in the near future because of how we are supporting her, it will turn out to be the icing on the cake,” said president of the school and Cabinet minister, AT Mondal.
The MLA informed that the decision to support Joyarani was a collective one taken by the entire school management, as her parents were facing difficulties in providing for her education.
“Her potential was noticeable and we did not want her or her family to feel the burden of finances. All our teachers are not only providing her with extra tuition but ensuring that she grasps everything taught to her. She is a role model for the other kids in school who all look up to her and want to emulate her,” informed the principal.
He added that the support for Joya will not stop even after she finishes school.
“We understand that she needs further support given her family’s financial position. We will support her in whatever she decides to do in the future as well. This support will continue till she completes her education,” added the principal.
The school has not only made everything, including the education of her younger brother free, it is also providing her with pocket money (monthly stipend) for her incidental expenses. She is also being provided with clothes, books and stationery among others.
JNHS is one of the most prominent schools in the plain belt of Garo Hills. The school has a student base of over 1,500 boys and girls from all sections of the local society.