Living in a tent in Tral’s Panner village, Shabnum Sadiq scores 92.6% in 12th exams

Tral, May 1: Inside a blue tarpaulin tent in the outlying village of Panner, about 15 km from south Kashmir’s Tral town, Shabnum Sadiq is  surrounded by family, friends, and relatives. Some shower her with candies, others garland her with flowers, while many queue up to embrace and congratulate her.

Shabnum, who belongs to the economically disadvantaged Gujjar community, secured 92.6 percent in 12th class, the results of which were declared on Wednesday.  “My family and teachers always supported me and it is because of their support and encouragement I passed the exam with flying colours”, said Shabnum.

Sharing her struggles, Shabnum said that she completed her primary schooling from the same village and every day she had to walk up a hill to attend her school.

“I want to qualify UPSC and become an IAS officer. I am sure if the government supports me, I can fulfil my dream”, said Shabnum, reflecting an iron cast resolve. She said that only relentless and unceasing efforts could make students  achieve their goals.

The community members, including  family friends and relatives from the neighbouring villages visited Shabnum to congratulate her.  “I came from neighbouring Khiram village to congratulate Shabnum”, said Mohamamd Zubair, a relative of Shabnum.

He said that the girl did not receive any private tuition and achieved this feat through her own hard work.  “Despite not having access to private tuition, her determination and consistent hard work paved the way for her success”, said Zubair.

He said that the family is putting up in a makeshift tent and have no modern facilities available with them. Zubair said that she used to burn midnight oil,studying late into the night with unwavering dedication and focus.

“We are very thankful to her school teachers who always supported her and taught her in a patient and dedicated way”, he added.