Newspaper hawker’s daughter tops class 12 exams in Manipur

IMPHAL — Malemnganbi Laishram, the daughter of a newspaper hawker, has achieved the top rank in the Science stream of the Manipur Class 12 examinations conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM).

Hailing from Khurai Sajor Leikai in Imphal East district, Malemnganbi is the eldest daughter of Romen, who has served the Wangkhei-Ayangpali and Kongba areas as a newspaper hawker for the past 15 years. Her mother, Laidhram ongbi Jugarani Devi, operates a fast food stall at Sangakpham, also in Imphal East.

Malemnganbi’s academic journey began at RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, followed by her completion of Class 10 at Tiny Tots’ Unique School.

She has now excelled in her Class 12 examinations, scoring an impressive 493 out of 500 marks. Her outstanding performance includes top marks in English (98), Manipuri (100), Physics (98), Chemistry (98), Biology (99), and Mathematics (91).

Speaking to reporters, Romen, beaming with pride, expressed his immense happiness with his daughter’s accomplishment. “Since childhood, my daughter has always heeded our advice, so we had no concerns regarding her studies. We have always focused on her strengths and encouraged her,” he shared.

Jugarani, Malemnganbi’s mother, was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news. “She has been incredibly sincere and hardworking. We are immensely proud of her. Even my friends are showering her with compliments,” she said.

Meanwhile, Malemnganbi attributed her success to the unwavering guidance and support of her parents, family, community, and teachers.

When asked about her aspirations, Malemnganbi expressed her desire to pursue a career in medicine. “I want to become a successful doctor and make my parents proud. My relatives and others have always encouraged me towards this profession since my childhood,” she stated.

Malemnganbi, who attended a coaching centre as private tuition for individual subjects was not feasible, offered words of encouragement to younger students. “Believe in yourselves and your potential. Have a goal in life and work hard to achieve it,” she advised.

Thokchom Sheityajit of Enlighten Knowledge Higher Secondary school topped the exam in Arts stream with a total of 477 marks while Aiena Naorem of Kakching Higher Secondary school topped the exam in Commerce stream with 447 marks.

The COHSEM declared the Class 12 examination results on Monday. A total of 30,391 students passed the examinations, with 20,498 achieving first division, 8,498 securing second division, and 1,331 obtaining third division. The overall pass percentage across all streams stood at 97.63%. Notably, this year’s pass percentage marks a significant improvement from the 88.68% recorded in 2023.

Thoubal district boasts the highest pass percentage at 99.58%, followed closely by Bishnupur district at 99.19%. Ukhrul district recorded the lowest pass percentage at 85.95%.