This is how a farmer's daughter battled blood cancer and topped class 10 board exams with 99.2%
In a state where board exam results often reflect more than academics, one
Kanker district
name has caught everyone's attention–
Ishika Bala
. At just 16, this young girl has done what many would find unimaginable. Not only did she overcome blood cancer, but she also went on to top the Class 10
Chhattisgarh Board Exams
with an exceptional 99.2%.
Her story stands out– not because of a headline-making score alone, but because it's a story of quiet strength, determination, and unwavering focus, even during one of life's toughest battles.
Ishika had to step away from school and miss her board exams last year due to a critical health condition. While others were preparing for exams, she was undergoing treatment for blood cancer. But she didn't give up. A year later, she returned to her books, determined not just to complete the journey she had started but to do it with excellence. Her goal of becoming an
IAS officer
, she shared, gave her the strength to move forward each day.
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Her father, a farmer by profession, shared his pride in Ishika's journey and how it has inspired those around her.
Kanker, a district known more for its conflict with insurgency than academic results, is seeing a different kind of spotlight with Ishika's success. In a region where the
female literacy rate
is still below 60%, her performance is being hailed as a moment of
hope and inspiration
.
In a surprising coincidence, the state topper in Class 12 exams,
Akhil Sen
, is also from Kanker.
He scored 98.2% in the commerce stream, securing 491 out of 500 marks. Helping his father run a newspaper agency, Akhil managed his studies while also delivering newspapers every morning– a routine that demanded both discipline and commitment.
Eight students from the
Bastar division
were included in the Class 10 and 12 merit lists this year, a notable achievement for a region that has struggled with insurgency-related challenges for over two decades.
Announcing the board exam results from Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the successful students, their families, and educators. In his message to those who couldn't pass this time, he said, 'To those who couldn't succeed this time, don't lose heart. Failure is often the first step toward success. Prepare for the next attempt with even greater resolve.'
This year, nearly 3.3 lakh students appeared for the Class 10 exams, with a pass percentage of 76% – a marginal increase from last year's 75.64%.
In Class 12, the overall pass rate stood at 81.8%. Girls continued to lead with an 84.7% pass percentage compared to 78% among boys. Raipur dominated the Class 12 merit list, with seven of the top 10 students from the capital city.
While the numbers are important, it's stories like Ishika Bala's and Akhil Sen's that are being talked about across the state. They serve as a reminder that perseverance often matters more than circumstances, and that hope can thrive even in the most challenging settings.
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