On top of merit list, aiming for stars

LUCKNOW: Arun passed Intermediate but failed to get a job. With no option, he opened a furniture shop. Running a family of six with a meager income was difficult but he left no stone unturned to give good education to his children. On Sunday, his eldest daughter Riya Verma from Maharani Lakshmi Bai Inter College, Barabanki (MLBIC) topped UP board class XII examinations, scoring 97.4%. Riya shared first place along with Deeksha Verma from R S Yadav Smarak Inter College, Barabanki.
"I was expecting a place among top three but never thought I would top the exam,'' said an elated Riya, who now aspires to be engineer. "It's a big day for us. We will throw a party for all our relatives and friends,'' Arun told one of his relatives who congratulated him on his daughter's success.
Phones kept ringing for Deeksha throughout the day. "It's a dream come true. Being number one among lakhs of students is a miracle no less,'' said Deeksha, who too aims to be an engineer.
Daughter of a lawyer, Reshu Verma from MLBIC wants to be an IAS officer. Along with Tanu Shri Verma, she too is from MLBIC and stood second with 97% marks. The two toppers were smiling away to glory on their brilliant performance.
Lucknow's top ranker Alok Mani Tripathi from SKD Academy was not in Kota where he is preparing for IIT when his school teachers informed him about his performance. Securing 96.6%, Alok shared first place in Lucknow with Anshu Sharma from Lucknow Public School. "I want to be an engineer but its my father's dream to see me posted as an IAS officer, therefore, I will do both,'' said Anshu.
Second city topper, Sandhya Yadav who scored 96.4%, is all set to fulfil her father's dreams if becoming a doctor. Sandhya's father committed suicide on April 2, a day after she finished writing her board exams. "My father wanted to see me as a cardiologist and I will work hard to make his dream come true,'' she said.