There’s something about Aabesh Biswas. Unlike other toppers, this fifth-rank-holder in the ISC 2022 exams has set his sights on going into the depths of Philosophy and History as he plans his future.
My Kolkata recently caught up with the student of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, who scored 98.75 per cent marks in his board exams, to know more about his success, hobbies and dreams.
ISC results and school life
Aabesh did not expect to be among the toppers given his flexible schedule. “I used to study only when I felt like it, but when I did my entire focus would be on what I was studying. Usually, I would study for three to four hours a day. I must thank my mum for giving me the opportunity to study the way it works best for me.”
A Humanities student, the teenager said he believed in studying the subjects of his choice instead of blindly following others. “I took up Humanities because I got genuinely interested in the subjects. Of course, I was given the freedom at home to take up what I liked — I have been really lucky that way,” he explained.
Though an introvert, Aabesh said he did not really hate online classes during the pandemic. “Despite all the problems, there were some perks of online classes. For instance, one didn’t have to travel to school and the school hours were cut down to four hours. I could spend more quality time at home. I learnt the basics of Latin online during the lockdown.”
Aabesh Biswas in front of St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow in Russia. Aabesh Biswas
Hobbies and talents
When he is not poring over Philosophy and History books, Aabesh participates in inter-school fests and competitions as an avid debater and quizzer. He loves spending time reading at the New Town Library and listening to music in his leisure hours.
Some of his favourite books on Philosophy are Spinoza’s Ethics, and Lucretius’ On The Nature of Things. Schopenhauer and Rousseau are also among his favourite philosophers.
A bookworm, Aabesh loves the dreamlike prose of The Cosmicomics collection by Italo Calvino. He is also fond of the style of the Argentine short-story writer Jorge Luis Borges.
During the long break between ISC exams and college admissions, Aabesh has been spending time listening to music, learning new languages, reading up on Philosophy and different cultures. “My driving passion is to understand different cultures and ways of life. Learning different languages is quite important for that. I love travelling as it widens one’s horizons. I have already travelled to historical places like Jordan, Israel, Greece, Egypt, Italy and Russia.”
What the future holds
For his bachelor’s studies, Aabesh will go to his dream destination — Ashoka University, Haryana. “I plan to take a major in Philosophy and a minor in History. As Ashoka is a Liberal Arts university with an interdisciplinary focus, I also look forward to getting acquainted with many other subjects. Next, I want to pursue a PhD course to pursue a career in writing and academia,” the teenager signed off.