Chief minister, speaker drop in to wish ISC topper Kalyani

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gautham U, the 10-year-old cousin of Kalyani Vishnu, the national topper in this year's ISC exam, was in a state of awe by the turnout of VVIPs on his house. Kalyani, who was just back home from a felicitation function held at her school, was delighted to learn from the ward councillor that the chief minister was scheduled to visit their house on Monday afternoon.
Oommen Chandy who was accompanied by health minister V S Sivakumar arrived at Kalyani's residence with a bouquet and warm wishes for the topper. After congratulating Kalyani, the chief minister inquired about her future plans. "I want to be an engineer," pat came the reply and Chandy wished her all the best in realizing her dream.
A few minutes later, it was the turn of speaker G Kathikeyan to visit the residence of Kalayani near Pallimukku. The speaker gifted Kalyani a Malayalam dictionary, published by the State Institute of Languages, and a pen as a mark of appreciation. The speaker also gave his best wishes for her future endeavours. After having a long chat with Kalyani and her parents, Karthikeyan told her that he wished to come back to her house again and that she should make such opportunities in future too.
"Her hard work has paid off," said T P Vishnu, Kalyni's father. "I would say it is God's grace that I have had the privilege of having the chief minister and other VIPs as my guest. I dedicate all this success to my school, teachers, my parents and all my well-wishers," said Kalyani.
The shelf in the drawing room of her house was full of trophies and mementos she received as prizes in various competitions.
Kalyani and parents were also thankful to the TOI for bringing them the good news first. "Though we knew about the 99.25% mark she had scored, we were not sure whether she was the national topper until we got the confirmation from the TOI," said Vishnu.