Her infectious smile conceals the cruel blow life dealt her when she was diagnosed with brain tumour in June 2017.

One year down the line, 15-year-old Anwesha Sarkar, a Class IX student of Delhi Public School, Guwahati, is not only admirably fighting the ailment but also dreaming of becoming a doctor so that “I can better the lives of those suffering from brain tumour”.

Anwesha’s presence on the stage to receive the awards for courage in the first edition of IIHM presents The Telegraph School Awards For Excellence 2018 powered by Sister Nivedita University was one of the defining moments of the over two-hour event held for the first time in Guwahati on Saturday. Anwesha’s story and that of her parents, both schoolteachers who have gone all out to ensure that she lives a normal life, are facing life’s uncertainties head on, come what may.

Her mother Madhuchanda told The Telegraph that her daughter had a surgery in July last year at Fortis Hospital and they have to go to Delhi for regular check-ups every few months. Their next visit is in October.

“My daughter has to take 10-12 tablets a day. She wants to become a doctor. Even now she is studying to become a doctor, but she gets tired very soon. We are doing everything possible to ensure that she realises her dream. Please pray for her,” Madhuchanda said.

Anwesha received award from the specially-abled Princy Gogoi working as a receptionist in a city hospital to thunderous applause.

She was all smiles. “It was a very happy moment for me. It was a wonderful experience. I have never experienced anything like this before,” she said on receiving the award, thanking her parents, friends and well-wishers for all that they have done for her. Anwesha talks freely about her health and how it has affected her life and that of her parents.

“I am undergoing treatment for brain tumour. I had become almost abnormal after my operation but everything is returning to normal except that I get tired very soon if I study for too long. I have got a new life and want to become a doctor so that I can better the life of those with brain tumour. Please keep us in your prayers,” Anwesha said.

Clearly, she has not giving up on life.