EDUCATION

Toppers thank parents and teachers
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, July 12 — Boys and girls have brought laurels to the town in examinations. In this continuing series, we try to find out how these students worked and what took them to the top.

Aastha Thakkar: "Regularity and devotion paves the way to success," says Aastha. She attributes her success to the dedication of her parents and teachers. Healthy competition among friends, guidance from teachers and cooperation of family members is what led her to the top. "In the Punjab PMET, 29 is a good rank," she says. She has also been called for interview by Aligarh Muslim University and the MGIMS. She secured 88.7 per cent marks in the Class XII examinations.

"It is 20 per cent inspiration and 80 per cent perspiration which matters. Hardwork and devotion can take anybody to success," she says. Aastha gratefully remembers her parents' sacrifices during her examinations. They used to wake her up on time for tuitions or self-study, which she recalls fondly.

Aastha says that high-level books do not bring success, but, understanding basic facts is what pays in the long run.

Ravinder Singh Sobti: Success is 90 per cent individual effort and 10 per cent guidance. Inspired by his sister, Ravinder Singh has done well in many entrance tests. He stood 55th in the PMT, 126th in the Bhartiya Vidya Peeth entrance test. He also passed the Karnataka CET and the CBSE PMT. Ravinder says that he has never taken studies seriously. It is only his concentration which has rewarded him.

Dr Satinder Sobti and Ms Sarabjit Kaur, his parents, paid for whatever books or coaching he required. Ravinder says, "If one concentrates well, he is certain to achieve his goals."

Puneet Vohra: "Passion to succeed, hardwork and talent has led me to success," says Puneet. Puneet has also passed the IIT JEE, DCE entrance test and CET with good ranks. Punnet attributes his success to his confidence.

Puneet wants to become an IT professional. According to him, IT is the most coveted line today and offers excellent growth opportunities. He says that all subjects should be studied equally well if one aims high.

Puneet is thankful to his teachers, specially Dr Jairam and Mr Ashwani who helped him out with his problems. Ms Rani Brar is his role model. He is also thankful to his parents.

Akshay Gupta: A person who is not a bookworm and enjoys life, he believes in keep the mind fresh. His ranks were 31 in the NLTSE and 57 in the PMET. Akshay seems satisfied with his results.

He received the cooperation of his parents, brother and sister. According to Akshay, his father is more of a friend who helps him and even plays table tennis with him.

He owes his success to God's grace and his elder brother who always encourages him to work hard.

Awlok Singh Josan — Awlok aims to join an M.Tech course at an IIT or some other prestigious university in the USA. It is expected from anyone with such good ranks in competitive exams (39 in the CET, 190 in the IIT, Hyderabad, 302 in the PEC, 382 in the Roorkee college entrance test and 933 in the IIT-JEE).

For the JEE, a highly-competitive exam, Awlok had started preparing as soon as he had joined Class XI. Qualifying the JEE involves both intelligence and hardwork. He also owes his success to his parents and teachers, specially Mr Jairam.