Latest news with #Srijani
NDTV
04-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Bengal ISC Topper Drops Her Surname, Says 'Humanism' Only Religion
Kolkata: Srijani, the ISC topper from West Bengal who scored a perfect 400 out of 400, chose not to retain her surname when filing her examination form saying the decision stemmed from her belief in a society free from distinctions based on caste, creed, religion and gender. The student of Future Foundation School in South Kolkata achieved a flawless 100 in all her subjects. Despite the intense academic schedule, she found time to participate in the Women Reclaim the Night movement on August 14, following the rape-murder of an RG Kar medical student. "As an individual, it was my decision - supported by my parents and sister. I believe in a society rising above divisions in caste, gender and religion, and beyond economic status. For me, a surname doesn't matter. I've always been known by my first name to my friends and loved ones. Why carry the baggage of a surname? I'm lucky to have the full support of my family," Srijani, the Ranikuthi resident in the city's Tollygunge area told PTI on Saturday. Her father Debashis Goswami, an Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) professor and a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee, and mother Gopa Mukherjee, assistant professor of Gurudas College, were doubly proud for their daughter's feat as well as her principles and values. "Both my daughters uphold the values and beliefs we inculcated in them since birth. I myself don't use my husband's surname. When we applied for our daughters' birth certificates, we didn't include any surname. We envision a society free from the prejudices of patriarchy and chauvinism," Ms Mukherjee said. Ms Mukherjee, along with both her daughters, actively participated repeatedly during the R G Kar protests. "For me, walking with thousands of fellow citizens seeking justice for the RG Kar victim never conflicted with academic preparations," she said. Srijani, who aspires to pursue research in pure science like her father, said she never saw herself as the typical studious type. "Beyond study hours, I'd always find time for adda with my parents, sister and close friends," she said. When asked about her stance on religion, she added, "I wrote 'Humanism' in the slot for religion on the application form." An official from Future Foundation, Regent Park, noted, "We have no issue if a candidate wishes to opt out of a surname. This is perfectly within the law." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Why Kolkata student Srijani dropped her surname after a perfect score in ISC Class 12
Srijani, a student from Kolkata, scored a perfect 400 out of 400 in her ISC Class 12 exams. But it's not just her marks that are making headlines – it's her bold decision to drop the surname on her examination form. When asked about religion on a form, she simply wrote 'Humanism'. Srijani lives with her parents in Ranikuthi, in the Tollygunge area of Kolkata. Her father, Debashis Goswami, teaches at the Indian Statistical Institute, while her mother, Gopa Mukherjee, teaches at Gurudas College. Both are proud of Srijani's academic achievements and the values she stands for. While talking to news agency PTI, Srijani said that she believes in a world where people are treated equally, no matter their caste, religion, gender, or background. That's why she didn't include her surname. 'I've always been known by just my first name by friends and loved ones,' she said. 'I don't feel the need to carry a surname that can sometimes show social or religious identity. I want to be known for who I am, not what my name says about where I come from,' she said, adding that she made this decision with full support from her family and friends. 'We raised both our daughters to be independent and fair-minded,' said her mother. 'Even when we applied for their birth certificates, we didn't use any surname. I don't use my husband's surname either.' A staff member at Future Foundation School said, 'Students are free to leave out their surname if they want. It's completely legal.' Srijani wants to follow in her father's footsteps and go into scientific research. Debashis Goswami is a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee – a prestigious accolade given in the field of science and technology. Apart from being a brilliant student, Srijani is socially aware too. She had joined the 'Women Reclaim the Night' protest on 14 August, held after the rape and murder of a medical student from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She said being part of the protest did not affect her studies. 'I always found time to talk and relax with my parents, sister, and close friends,' she said. 'I don't see myself as someone who only studies all the time.' (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Perfect score, powerful stand: Bengal ISC topper Srijani drops surname for social justice
Kolkata, Srijani, the ISC topper from West Bengal who scored a perfect 400 out of 400, chose not to retain her surname when filing her examination form saying the decision stemmed from her belief in a society free from distinctions based on caste, creed, religion and gender. The student of Future Foundation School in South Kolkata achieved a flawless 100 in all her subjects. Despite the intense academic schedule, she found time to participate in the Women Reclaim the Night movement on August 14, following the rape-murder of an RG Kar medical student. "As an individual, it was my decision — supported by my parents and sister. I believe in a society rising above divisions in caste, gender and religion, and beyond economic status. For me, a surname doesn't matter. I've always been known by my first name to my friends and loved ones. Why carry the baggage of a surname? I'm lucky to have the full support of my family," Srijani, the Ranikuthi resident in the city's Tollygunge area told PTI on Saturday. Her father Debashis Goswami, an Indian Statistical Institute professor and a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee, and mother Gopa Mukherjee, assistant professor of Gurudas College, were doubly proud for their daughter's feat as well as her principles and values. "Both my daughters uphold the values and beliefs we inculcated in them since birth. I myself don't use my husband's surname. When we applied for our daughters' birth certificates, we didn't include any surname. We envision a society free from the prejudices of patriarchy and chauvinism," Mukherjee said. Mukherjee, along with both her daughters, actively participated repeatedly during the R G Kar protests. "For me, walking with thousands of fellow citizens seeking justice for the RG Kar victim never conflicted with academic preparations," she said. Srijani, who aspires to pursue research in pure science like her father, said she never saw herself as the typical studious type. "Beyond study hours, I'd always find time for adda with my parents, sister and close friends," she said. When asked about her stance on religion, she added, "I wrote 'Humanism' in the slot for religion on the application form." An official from Future Foundation, Regent Park, noted, "We have no issue if a candidate wishes to opt out of a surname. This is perfectly within the law."
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Srijani? The girl who scored perfect marks in the CISCE ISC exam and chose humanity over labels
In a world where identity is often framed by surnames, caste, and religion, a 17-year-old girl from Kolkata is making headlines for redefining what it means to be truly educated — not just in marks, but in values. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Topper with a Difference Srijani, a student of The Future Foundation School in Kolkata, scored a perfect 100% in her ISC Class XII examinations — a rare feat in itself. But it's not just her academic brilliance that's drawing admiration. Srijani has refused to use a surname in any official capacity, stating that her only religion is "humanity." She believes that true equality can't exist unless we rise above divisive identities rooted in caste, creed, and religion. 'I am against all kinds of inequality—social, economic, or religious,' she told the Times of India. Her philosophy is simple but profound: in a truly evolved society, no one should be known by the baggage of inherited labels. A Family of Freethinkers Her decision didn't emerge in isolation. Srijani's upbringing in a progressive, intellectual household has shaped her beliefs. Her mother, Gopa Mukherjee, an assistant professor at Gurudas College, and her father, Debasish Goswami, a renowned mathematician and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee, have long stood against patriarchy and caste hierarchy. Interestingly, when applying for their children's birth certificates, the parents didn't include any surname. 'We wanted our children to grow up free — not burdened by caste or religion,' said her mother. Walking the Talk Srijani doesn't just preach ideals — she lives them. Ahead of her board exams, she made a formal request to omit her surname in registration forms, an act of quiet defiance that reflects deep conviction. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The principal of her school, Ranjan Mitter, backed her decision, saying, 'As long as the law is satisfied, we support the family's wishes.' She also took part in the "Reclaim the Night" protest in August 2024, a massive demonstration following the tragic rape and murder of a PGT doctor. Srijani and her family were among the thousands demanding justice and women's safety, showing that her activism extends beyond the classroom. Simplicity and Brilliance in Equal Measure Despite her national recognition and political visitors — including State Power Minister Aroop Biswas who personally visited her home to felicitate her — Srijani remains grounded. Her dream is to study physics or mathematics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Her focus remains firmly on learning and contributing meaningfully to society. More Than Just a Name Srijani is not just a name; she's a statement — of intellect, integrity, and inclusive ideals. In a time when academic toppers often make news only for their marks, Srijani is raising the bar by reminding us that true education begins when we start questioning inequality and championing human values.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
ISC topper removes surname for 'humanity': Who is Srijani?
Srijani , a remarkable student who secured a flawless score in this year's Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations, has emerged as a firm voice against all forms of discrimination—whether based on class, wealth, or faith. Guided by her strong convictions, the 17-year-old graduate of the Future Foundation School has chosen to drop her last name and declares that the only belief system she follows is that of humanity . In a bold move prior to her Class XII board exams, she submitted a formal request seeking an exception from the board to allow her to register using only her first name. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India strikes hard! New Delhi bans all imports from Pakistan How Pakistan is preparing for the worst as India weighs response If India attacks Pakistan, China & B'desh should seize 7 NE states, says Yunus' aide Ranjan Mitter, principal of The Future Foundation School, supported her stand, explaining, 'If the law permits, we have no objection. Including a surname is not a legal requirement. Every individual deserves to live with dignity, and if this aligns with the family's wishes, we are completely in favor of it.' Speaking with the Times of India, Srijani explained, 'I oppose every form of injustice—whether it's social stratification, financial inequality, or religious intolerance. Acts of sectarian violence and religious extremism serve only to divide. A nation with diverse traditions can thrive only through mutual understanding, shared values, and equal opportunities for all.' She envisions a world where tragedies like the death of Abhaya, a victim from RG Kar Medical College, no longer occur, where sectarian clashes are a thing of the past, and hierarchical divisions cease to exist. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wife won't let go of dog, husband finds out why and calls police - watch! Happy in Shape Undo On August 14, 2024, she, along with her sister and other relatives, joined the mass protest 'Reclaim the Night' to speak out against the rape and murder of a PGT doctor. The march was a collective call for justice and the protection of women's rights . Srijani's values are deeply influenced by her parents. Her mother, Gopa Mukherjee, is an assistant professor at Gurudas College, while her father, Debasish Goswami, is a mathematician at the Indian Statistical Institute and a recipient of the 2012 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. Mukherjee shared, 'I never changed my last name after getting married. Our children were free to choose either of our surnames, but my husband and I are fundamentally opposed to patriarchal norms and the caste system. We want our children to grow up unburdened by social labels and to value empathy above all else.' She added that when they applied for their children's birth certificates, they chose not to include surnames. 'We've rarely faced resistance for this decision. There's no legal compulsion to use a last name—not even on a passport. What truly needs to change is the mindset. While we still use surnames in practice, our stated religion is always listed as 'humanity'.' Recognizing Srijani's achievement and ideals, State Power Minister and Tollygunge MLA Aroop Biswas visited her family home in Ranikuthi to personally honor her. He expressed admiration for her decision to relinquish her surname. Currently, Srijani is setting her sights on a future in science. She hopes to pursue physics or mathematics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and is actively preparing for the next phase of her academic journey.
