"Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you,” was perhaps the motto of a group of bravehearts in north Bengal, who pursued their dreams to excel in the future despite facing several odds.

On Tuesday, on the second day of the Adamas University Kolkata presents The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence 2024 North Bengal at Dinabandhu Mancha in Siliguri, No challenge The Telegraph Education Foundation (TTEF) saluted some of them and handed over scholarships to them so that they could continue their studies.

Sumit Sarkar, a Class XII student of Kranti Devijhora Higher Secondary School in Kranti block of Jalpaiguri district, has been physically challenged since birth. His father is a farmer and a sole-earning member of the family.

Despite his physical disability, Sumit pursued his studies and his best companion was a tricycle. Five years back, the tricycle broke down and the boy was left with no option but to use crutches. “His father couldn't afford to get a new tricycle for him,” said one of his friends who accompanied him to the award programme.

The boy, however, didn't lose his determination. “I am still on crutches and want to be a teacher,” said Sumit, who will appear in the higher secondary exams next year.

Ritika Oraon, a Class XIII student of Rajadanga Penda Mohammad Higher Secondary School of Jalpaiguri, pedals 8km every day to reach her school. On the way, she often faces the challenge of confronting wild elephants and leopards.

The girl, who was awarded a certificate for her courage and a scholarship, however, sounded unperturbed. “I have to follow this route every day to reach my school. Despite this challenge, I am not ready to stop till I pass the Madhyamik,” Ritika, who lost her father at a very young age — her mother runs the six-member family — said.

Ritika also faces another challenge. She often feels numbness in her fingers and toes and sometimes, couldn't even hold a pen. Even then, she aspires to continue her studies.

Manoj Majumder, a Class IX student of Kranti Devijhora Higher Secondary School, on the other hand, works three days a week as a daily labourer to run his family. During the remaining three days, he attends the school.

“My brother, who is in college, also works as a daily labourer. During evening hours, we often work as waiters in a catering service unit. But both of us are determined not to leave our studies,” said the boy.

For Ranjan Mahato, a Class VIII student of Kantadighi Kumar Para Higher Secondary School in Jalpaiguri, the hell broke loose early this year as his father, who was a migrant worker in Kerala, fell from a building and died.

“I want to study, but at the same time, I have to work to help my family. My struggle will continue till I get a job,” said the boy.

Girl golfer

Amaira Gulati, a girl from the G D Goenka Public School, Siliguri, was conferred with the Sip Abacus Award for Outstanding Talent in Sports.

The nine-year-old girl has participated in 89 tournaments so far and won 61 of them while managing a podium finish in 78. She also got the unique distinction of winning the DGC Cup thrice in a row.

“I would like to be a professional golfer and play for my country,” the little girl said after receiving the award here.

Every day, she practises four hours after school and homework. She also loves singing, dancing, and swimming other than golf.