“I want to change the trends of chasing for marks in the education system of Manipur,” said Archana Hijam, Science topper in the class-12 examination 2020 conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM).
Archana, a student of Meci Explorer Academy, Changangei, Imphal, topped the examination in Science stream by scoring 97 per cent. In her matric examination, she bagged forth position by scoring 94.8 per cent from Catholic School, Canchipur.
Archana is the first child of the three daughters born to Hijam Ranjitkumar Singh and Thounaojam Subashini Devi of Andro Mamang Leikai. Currently, they are residing at Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai, Imphal East.
In an exclusive interview to Imphal Free Press on Friday, Archana said she did not expect to get first position in the class-12 examination in this age of competition.
“I was extremely excited and happy when I heard that I topped the examination. Suddenly my eyes were filled with tears of joy,” Archana told IFP.
Archana aims to bring about change in the education system of the state one day.
“My aim in life is to become a civil service officer, so that I can work as an official to bring about positive change in the education system of the state,” she said.
The topper also sends out a message to the society while speaking to IFP.
“Everyone in the society is talented at their respective jobs. We should not underrate each other. Instead, we should cooperate with each other and move ahead towards development,” the topper said.
Like any other average students, Archana claimed that she studies only when she is in the mood for studying, spends time with friends and plays with pets.
She further said that she wants to pursue higher studies outside the state as there are more scopes and facilities in metros.
Archana's remarkable achievement has made her parents proud and brought much happiness to them.
“My daughter cracking the first position in the 12 examination is one of the happiest moments of my life. Our eyes were filled with tears of happiness when we heard the result,” the father said delightedly.
When asked about the struggle while preparing for the examination, the father said, "There were many days when my daughter could not attend private tuitions due to the rains. She had to skip tuition as we had no means to drop her off for tuitions during heavy rainfalls".
Archana's father and mother work as senior tuberculosis paboratory supervisors in the state medical department. Her two younger sisters are in VIII and IV standard.
