UPSC aspiration drives Chennai boy to secure third rank in board exams

CHENNAI: While girls outshining boys in board exams has become the norm, a lone boy from Chennai Higher Secondary school, Choolaimedu, was among the top 3 ranks in the city.

Securing the third position among all the Corporation schools in the city, S Arun was raised by a single mother. And, he is not blind to her struggles.

“My mother’s hard work and dedication is the reason for me to score such high marks (487) in the board examination,” said S Arun. “I want to prepare for the UPSC exam and serve marginalised people like my mother as an IAS officer.”

It was tears of joy for Vijaya while speaking to DT Next. “The dedication of the teachers and HM alone made my son achieve this height,” she said, fighting tears.

Within a few years of marriage, her husband deserted Vijaya. She not only became a single parent overnight, but also the primary caregiver of her old parents with her meagre wage. She works as a help. “Since I’m not educated, I don’t know anything about academics. But I wanted my son to study well. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see my dream come true,” smiled Vijaya.

Nalina Johanna, the headmaster of Choolaimedu Corporation School, was happy not only because one of her students secured the third rank, but also because the school secured a centum in pass percentage. “The entire credit goes to my teachers as they took care of each student and encouraged them to study well,” she said. “GCC’s joint commissioner too played a crucial role, as she pushed all the schools to conduct pre-quarterly and pre half-yearly examinations for students appearing for the board exams to overcome exam fear. Healthy snacks provided for students during the special classes in the morning and evenings helped a lot too.”