Astrophysics interests star-gazer Swanand

NAGPUR: Swanand Khanapurkar, a student of Somalwar Ramdaspeth, has probably secured second position in Nagpur division with an astonishing 98.18% in SSC exam. He attributed his success to three things: Hard work, discipline and regularity.
His father Milind is a professor at Raisoni engineering college and mother Swati takes tuitions. With both parents having an academic background, Swanand was constantly encouraged and helped.He did not attend any coaching classes or formal tuitions and still managed to top the Nagpur division. He studied three to four hours daily and stuck to a timetable.
He said coaching classes were just an eyewash and school teachers were much more supportive. He said, "School teachers are in no way less than coaching class teachers. Coaching classes fleece innocent students while faculty at school guide better. My school teachers were so involved in our studies and extra curricular activities. This is the result of the dedicated efforts of my teachers too."
He credits his success to his parents, teachers and all his benefactors. Apart from studies, he has keen interest in sky watching and gazes at stars through a telescope. He added this hobby had engendered a keen interest in astrophysics although he will also be preparing for IIT-JEE exam.
He said, "Most students lose focus and are not regular in studies. Discipline is a big determinant of your success. Students should understand their priorities and weigh them accordingly so they can complete the right task at the right time."
Marks: 540/550.
Success mantra: Hard work, discipline and regularity.
What's next: IIT-JEE exam, astrophysics.