Cancer, disability, illness no hurdle for these boards bravehearts

Time of India

13-05-2025

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Kolkata: On Tuesday, several students from Kolkata reaped the results of true perseverance. Some of these students — both from CBSE class 10 and 12 — battled cancer, chronic illness, disability, and trauma, to pass the boards with flying colours, and pride.
Ashutosh Sarangi, a Class 12 science student from Indus Valley School, was undergoing treatment for lymphoma during Class 11. "There were days when I just couldn't sit for long hours at a stretch — the fatigue and side effects from treatment made even revising a challenge," he shared. Despite missing classes and dropping out of coaching mid-year, Ashutosh managed to score 78.4% and now hopes to pursue a BTech in cybersecurity.For Sneha Gupta, a Class 10 student from Delhi Public School, Howrah, a freak accident just before her maths exam landed her on bed rest with stitches. "The glass slab shattered and I ended up with three stitches. I was in pain and still had two papers left — AI and science," she recalled. Her school arranged for a wheelchair and ensured all the support she needed while taking the exams. She scored 76%.Ankit Maity, a commerce student from Indus Valley World School, struggled with severe asthma and multiple allergies, which left him hospitalised during exams. "It was hard to breathe, and even harder to step out for school," he said. Mentally drained and detached from studies, Ankit took a drop year. With renewed determination and support from his teachers and friends, he returned stronger and scored 56%. "Now, I just want to build a business and a life of my own," he said.Just a day after his science exam, Kaustav Nath, a Class 10 student at Indus Valley World School, was rushed to hospital with abdominal sepsis that required an endoscopy, biopsy, and multiple saline insertions in both hands and legs. He remained hospitalised for four days, unable to access any digital device. A former state-level table tennis player, Kaustav went on to score 85.4% in his CBSE board exams. "Whenever I felt even a little better, I studied. Our principal, Reshma Bhattacharya, the coordinator, and the faculty helped me through every step," he said. He also appeared for his SST exam just a day after being discharged.Siddhardh Manchiraju, a commerce student at Indus Valley World School, has dysgraphia and microcephaly. "It was never easy to keep up but I pushed myself every day. My teachers, parents, and special educator were always there for me," he said. Scoring 90% in his boards, Siddhardh proved that with consistency, courage, and support, no dream is too far.