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Vegetable vendor’s daughter tops Mizoram Class 10 board exam
Though the customers at the market in Neihbawi village, 15km from from the state capital of Aizwal, were used to seeing the teenager, the scene was not the same as other weekends.
It was an usual weekend routine for 16-year-old Lalrinnungi, who was helping her parents sell vegetables at the daily market in a village in Mizoram, this Saturday.
Though the customers at the market in Neihbawi village, 15km from from the state capital of Aizwal, were used to seeing the teenager, the scene was not the same as other weekends.
It was because the student of St Joseph Higher Secondary School had topped the state’s High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam with a score of 97.2% beating nearly 17,000 other candidates.
The youngest daughter of Zothanluanga and Lalhlimpuii was the centre of attention and people were walking up to her to congratulate and click photos with her.
“I have been helping my parents sell vegetables on Saturdays. But after the results were announced on Thursday and my name got splashed in papers, many people turned up to wish me,” said Lalrinnungi.
“I was expecting a good result but never thought I would be the topper. When I heard about it, I started crying. Some people even wanted me to shift from my school and join theirs,” she added.
Lalrinungi is the youngest among four siblings. Her two elder brothers dropped out of school due to the family’s financial situation and her elder sister is in Class 12.
The teenager joined the St Joseph Higher Secondary School as a boarder when she was in Class 10 and plans to continue pursuing her studies there for the next two years. She wants to take up science in Class 12.
“I have not decided yet about my future plans. I want to study medicine and become a doctor and am also interested in joining the civil services,” she disclosed.
Happy at her performance, Lalrinnungi’s school has decided to waive off her tuition and hostel boarding fees completely. In view of her family’s financial condition, the school earlier charged her only 20% of the total fees.
“Lalrinnungi has a curious nature and studies all her text books thoroughly. If she had any doubts she would ask her teachers to clarify them till she is satisfied,” said C Laltlansanga, principal of St Joseph Higher Secondary School.
