Gurugram student tops CBSE Class 10 exam in disabled category

Gurugram, May 29 (IANS) Anushka Panda, a student of Suncity School here, has topped the Class 10 CBSE Board Examination in the specially-abled category in India, scoring 97.8 per cent marks, a school spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"I am thrilled that my hard work has paid off. It is really a big moment for me. I was really nervous before the results," said an elated Anushka, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord which hinders the sufferers' ability to walk among other problems.

However, being wheelchair-bound did not stop the 14-year-old from fighting her way to success. 

Sharing her mantra of success, she added: "I was consistent in my preparation from Day 1 itself. I would like to thank my school which has been extremely supportive. Since I am a special child, my school ensured that I was provided with a special infrastructure to write my examination."

Her school Principal Rupa Chakravarty said: "We, at Suncity School, are very proud of Anushka. 

"The focus that she possesses is rare to find in other children. She is determined and does not allow any obstacle to overpower her, and her benchmarks are very high. She is an inspiration for all of us. What she has achieved many other students would not be able to achieve with all the elements." 

Her parents were equally proud of their daughter's success.

"I am proud of my daughter. Her excellent performance in the board examination is a testimony to her determination and perseverance," said her father Anup Kumar Panda.

A resident of Sector 67, Anushka loves playing chess and aspires to become a software engineer.