Quantum mechanics and P G Wodehouse, an English humorist, can coexist after all. Meet Dhanya Bharath, one of the SSLC toppers who did not stop reading her novels in the process of scoring 621 marks.
“The subtopics quantum mechanics and organic chemistry were some of my favourites. While I studied 9-10 hours a day during exams, I did not stop reading novels and listening to music, which relaxed me. It is all about striking a balance,” says Dhanya, a student of Sri Vidya Mandir High School, who also topped the state with the highest marks in the National Talent Search Examination recently.
A resident of Malleswaram, she reads Wodehouse, James Herriot and H H Munro. Dhanya is looking forward to a career in pure science. “I want to get into research as I am curious to know more about everything,” she said. Dhanya and three other students share the second spot in the state with 621 marks.
Abhilash R G, a student of MES Kishore Kendra, was more than happy to watch an episode of the British TV series Sherlock while his family anxiously awaited his result. “It is best not to expect anything. I knew I had done well,” says Abhilash, an aspiring automobile engineer who is a senior-level mrudanga player.
His mother Vasumati Gururaja, however, was confident. “He would study mostly in the evenings and finished only after completing what he wanted to study.”
Sindhu Badarish stopped attending tuition from January to focus on solving previous years’ question papers, which helped her get 621 marks. “March onwards, I studied for 8-9 hours a day with little breaks. I recommend students to solve previous question papers,’ the aspiring surgeon said.
Mythili K from Poorna Prajna Education Centre secured 620 marks. While she had to cut down on watching television, she did not stop other hobbies. “I continued reading books, participating in debates and other activities. I practised Yoga everyday to beat the stress,” said Mythili, who wants to pursue engineering.
Twin Sisters Shine, Score 620 and 621 out of 625
It was a double treat for parents Ganesh and Veena, whose twin daughters Abhighna and Anughna secured 621 and 620 marks respectively. “They have been topping the school throughout the years and competed with each other,” said Ganesh, a professor at BMS College of Engineering. The twins from VVS Sardar Patel High School, who received gold medals in Sanskrit learning, said they are satisfied with their results. “We studied together as per our convenience. Both of us plan to get into engineering and aspire to join an Indian Institute of Technology,” says Abhighna, who is elder by 14 minutes.