Farmer, auto driver’s sons are Class 12 joint toppers
LUCKNOW/KANPUR: Rajneesh Shukla, son of a farmer in Gaudhrali village in Fatehpur, and Akash Maurya, an autorickshaw driver’s son in Barabanki, were declared joint toppers in the UP Board 2018 intermediate examinations, results of which were declared on Sunday.
Akash, a student of Sri Sai Inter College in Barabanki’s Lakhperabagh, and Rajneesh Shukla of Fatehpur’s Sarvodaya Inter College scored 466 marks out of 500 (93.20%).
Akash got 97 in mathematics and physics, 94 in chemistry, 91 in Hindi and 87 in English.
“I want to become an engineer so that I can change my family’s fortune,” Akash said.
He said his grandfather Sarvjit Maurya, a farmer, is his role model. “I’m grateful to my grandfather who withstood all pressure and allowed me to continue with my studies,” said a jubilant Akash.
His mother Phulkesri Maurya is a homemaker.
Akash’s chemistry teacher Surendra Verma praised him as an extremely hardworking student. “He religiously used to complete all the homework assignments that I used to give. He is regular in school. We are proud of him. And I wish him all the luck,” Verma said.
Rajneesh Shukla, son of a farmer in Gaudhrali village in Fatehpur, was on cloud nine when he came to know that he has topped the examination.
Rajneesh said hard work and determination helped him achieve success in the examination. “Though I expected first division and very good marks but I never expected to top the examination,” he said.
Speaking about his future plans, he said: “I want to become an IPS officer after completing graduation. The financial condition of my family was not good but still my father did everything to get me educated. I look forward to meet his expectations,”.
His father Kailash Shukla said Rajneesh had topped in his school in high school examination and he was expecting a good result for his son.
“Rajneesh used to go to school on a bicycle and covered eight kilometres every day. He never missed his school,” he said. Crediting the government for ensuring fair examinations, Kailash said, “Had the government not taken strict measures to check copying, meritorious students like Rajneesh would not have topped.”
Meanwhile, UP jail minister Jai Kumar Jaiky who represents Jahanabad constituency in the state assembly congratulated Rajneesh on his success.