Several students in Malda who had appeared in the High Madrasah examination this year while braving different odds emerged as rank holders at the state level. The marks brought appreciation for them from various sections of the society as these students spoke of their future which they want to pursue despite confronting impediments in their lives.
(From left) Maruf Alam, Asamul Haque, Nasima Khatun, Mohammad Ibrahim and Musaiyib Ammar
The Telegraph narrates the stories of some of these students.
Name: Mohammad Ibrahim
Score: 773/800
Rank: 3rd in the state
Institution: Maharajnagar High Madrasah, Ratua
His father Akbar Hossain is a day wage earner and makes around ₹10,000 a month. The financial constraints couldn’t deter Ibrahim from proving his mettle in the exam. In future, he aspires to be a doctor.
Name: Musaiyib Ammar
Score: 772/800
Rank: 4th in the state
Institution: Malda Model Madrasah, Englishbazar
He is the son of a private tutor who earns around ₹20,000 a month by taking English tuition. They stay in rented accommodation in Malda town. Ammar, who has planned to opt for the science stream at the higher secondary level, wants to be a scientist.
Name: Asamul Haque
Score: 771/800
Rank: 5th in the state
Institution: Ramnagar High Madrasah, Gazole
Asamul’s father Munjur Rahaman is a marginal farmer and earns around ₹12,000 a month. “Even then, my father has done his best to ensure that I continue my studies. I will study in the science stream and want to get a government job to support my family,” said the boy.
Name: Maruf Alam
Score: 770/800
Rank: 6th in the state
Institution: Ramnagar High Madrasah, Gazole
Like Asamul, his father is also a marginal farmer who runs his family on the sale proceeds of the crop which he cultivates on a small piece of land. His family is happy but is equally worried whether Maruf will be able to meet his aspiration of becoming a doctor.
Name: Nasima Khatun
Score: 768/800
Rank: 7th in the state
Institution: Islampur Sagar High Madrasah, Harishchandrapur
Setaur Rahaman, her father, is a hawker who moves through villages, selling different garments. “I don’t have a fixed income but somehow run my family. My daughter wants to be a doctor but we have no idea how to arrange money for her coaching,” said the father.