Braving all odds, an orphan from Wantinaad-Narastan area of Aripal tehsil in Pulwama district topped arts stream, in the 12th class results declared a week ago.
Aijaz Ahmad Mir, who is being looked after by his poor grandparents, at a far-off village in Pulwama, secured 465 marks out of 500 and was declared the topper in boys category (Arts stream) at state level and topper in general at Pulwama district. He studied in a Govt Higher secondary School, Satoora.
Declaring him a source of inspiration for all the students of Kashmir, the locals did not lose hope and worked hard. “We are proud of him,” they said adding the humble boy is down to earth and has utmost respect for everyone in the village.
Talking to Brighter Kashmir, Aijaz Ahmad said he worked hard to achieve this feat. “My area is located around fifty kilometers from the district headquarters and lacks basic facilities,” he said.
Aijaz is all praise for his teachers and grandparents. “it is because of their love, affection and help and guidance,” he said adding helping my grandparents in household chores gives me pleasure.
Besides teachers, the administrative staff in the school is happy over Aijaz’s achievement. The staffers have extended their felicitations to him.
Mudasir Maqbool, a teacher said: "Aijaz is a very hardworking student. He would consult his teachers very often for valuable tips even when Kashmir was incommunicado.”
Other teachers also hailed Aijaz for the success and wished him good luck in his future pursuits.
Zonal Education Officer, Lurgam Zone, GA Kumar told Brighter Kashmir that he is very happy to see students shining from far off areas now.
He said that he visited the area, soon after he came to know about it, and congratulated the student as well as the school administration.
Meanwhile, apart from the teachers, relatives and villagers of topper Aijaz, other sections of people in the district also congratulated him and wished him good luck for the years to come.