Girls show steady success, but boys record slightly higher pass rates; inspiring stories emerge from poor Muslim families as students overcome hardship
NEW DELHI — One of the most talked-about achievers in this year’s Assam Class 10 board examinations is Halima Khatun, who secured the top position in the Dispur area of Guwahati. Her success story has become a source of pride and inspiration, especially in underprivileged communities.
The results brought relief and happiness to thousands of students and their families across the state.
The results were declared on Friday by the Assam State School Education Board. Students delivered a strong performance. Boys recorded a slightly higher pass percentage compared to girls. As per official data, 67.78 per cent of boys passed the examination, while 63.96 per cent of girls were successful.
Despite this gap, several girls secured top positions, showing their strong academic performance. Among the top three rank holders, there are two Muslims, drawing attention to the growing educational progress within sections of the community that often face social and economic challenges.
Halima is a student of TAB Memorial Trust Jatiya Vidyalaya, located in a southern village of Guwahati-Dispur. She achieved distinction in the matriculation examination despite facing serious financial hardship at home.
Speaking to local reporters, Halima said, “I studied regularly and never gave up, even when things were difficult. My parents supported me in every possible way. This result is for them.”
Family Sacrifices
Halima belongs to a very poor family originally from Barpeta district. Her father made a major sacrifice to support her education. He left his hometown and moved to Guwahati so that his daughter could study in a better environment.
To run the family, he opened a small roadside hotel and worked long hours. The family lives in a rented house with limited resources, but they continue to prioritise education.
Her father said, “We faced many problems, but I always believed that education would change our future. I am very proud of my daughter. She has worked very hard.”
Neighbours and residents also praised the family’s efforts. One resident said, “This is not just her success, it is the success of every poor family that dreams of educating their children.”
Education Challenges for the Poor
In many parts of Assam, especially among economically weaker sections, families continue to struggle with poverty, lack of resources and limited access to quality education. For many Muslim families in rural and semi-urban areas, the situation is even more difficult.
However, stories like Halima’s show that determination and family support can help students overcome these barriers.
A local teacher from her school said, “Halima was always sincere in her studies. She did not have many facilities, but her focus was very clear. She is an example for other students.”
The presence of two Muslim girls in the top three ranks has been widely discussed. It reflects a slow but important change in educational participation among communities that have historically remained behind due to socio-economic reasons.
Education experts say such achievements should be recognised and supported further.
An education observer in Guwahati said, “When students from poor backgrounds do well, it sends a strong message. It shows that talent exists everywhere, but it needs support and opportunity.”
Message of Hope
Halima Khatun’s achievement is more than just an exam result. It is a story of struggle, sacrifice and strong will. Her journey highlights the importance of parental support and the role of education in changing lives.
As celebrations continue in her locality, many young students are now looking up to her as a role model.
Halima, however, remains focused on her future. “I want to continue my studies and make my parents proud,” she said.
