Girl who tragically passed away from jaundice maintains top position in Bengal school rankings posthumously
Kolkata: A Tragic Tale of Resilience
Meet Thoibi Mukherjee, a 16-year-old student hailing from Bardhaman, West Bengal. Despite battling illness during her Class 10 state board exams, she emerged as the topper in her school – a bittersweet victory, as she is no longer here to celebrate. Thoibi passed away days before the results, after a fierce battle with jaundice.
Her fever during the exams was the first sign of her impending health crisis. However, she was diagnosed only post-exam, when her liver was already severely damaged. She was rushed to Hyderabad for treatment, but unfortunately, she lost her life on April 16.
Yesterday saw the announcement of the Bengal board exam results, leaving few at her school, the Uma Rani Gorai Mahila Kalyan School, with dry eyes.
Headmistress Papari Mukherjee shared her distress, recalling how Thoibi was visibly unwell during the exams, raising concerns amongst teachers at the center. "From time to time, she could write no longer and would rest her head on her arms," she said.
Thoibi's 674 marks are no solace. "We wish she had not tried so hard... Could have skipped the exam this year. At least she would still have been among us," lamented the headmistress.
Her grandmother, Sabita Mukherjee, shared her heartache, "She would have been so happy but it was not to be." She reminisced about the anticipation surrounding the results, "Everyone said she would come first or second. We never believed it. We thought she would come within the first 10th. She just could not see this result. She would have been so happy. Had she been here she would have been sitting in front of the television all day," she added, fighting back tears.
Thoibi's grandfather, Basanti Das Mukherjee, wept as he spoke of her dedication to studies. "She was excellent in studies. She got four scholarships. But she came under too much pressure. They could not diagnose her in time," he lamented.
Thoibi's story serves as a stark reminder of the pressure students in India often face, particularly during crucial exams like the Class 10 board exams. The competitive nature of Indian education, where scores and rankings are heavily emphasized, can further intensify stress among students. Additionally, families and society often place high expectations on students to perform well academically, adding to the pressure.
While the specific reasons behind Thoibi's health challenges remain unclear, it serves as a reminder of the need for balanced routines, open communication about stress, and support systems to help students manage academic pressures effectively. Thoibi's resilience in the face of adversity stands as a testament to her strength and determination.
- Thoibi's tragic demise, due to chronic jaundice, resonates deeply with Kolkata, highlighting the need for awareness and management of medical-conditions.
- Reporters are now questioning the education system's role in student's wellbeing, especially in light of Thoibi's pursuit of scholarships and her struggle with personal-growth and mental-health.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, Thoibi's story underlines the importance of fitness-and-exercise and a balanced lifestyle, which could have potentially mitigated the impact of her chronic diseases.
- Scholarships intended to support academic endeavors may have unintentionally added to Thoibi's stress, pointing towards the need for education-and-self-development programs that also focus on emotional well-being.
- Thoibi's inspiring story bridges the gap between science (her struggle with jaundice) and the real-world, emphasizing the significance of promoting health literacy and preventative measures.
- As Kolkata grapples with this sad tale of resilience, it is essential to remember that every loss serves as an opportunity to prioritize mental-health and promote a holistic approach to education and self-development.
