Manhar Bansal: Little Flower Convent School, Muktsar student tops ICSE 2019 exams
Manhar Bansal of Little Flower Convent School, Muktsar dist. of Punjab, made his school and his family proud by securing 498 marks out of 500 in his ICSE 2019. Gagan Preet Sandhu met Manhar on behalf of THE TEENAGER TODAY for a brief interview. Excerpts from the interview wherein Manhar shares with her his vision for the country, and his future plans to realize it.
How long have you been a student of Little Flower Convent School? What role did your school play in leading you to the victory stand? Can you recall here some special moments in the school?
I had been a student of Little Flower Convent School, run by the CST Fathers, for 7 years, from Class 4-10; but in my heart, I will always remain one of its students. The school played a very vital and positive role in my student journey. In fact, this achievement is the victory of my respected teachers and the management. Their belief in me and continuous commitment is the reason behind my success. Sometimes, their confidence and trust in me exceeded that of my own. The happiness seen on their faces is the best trophy I received.
The school gave me the best time of my life. Participating in and handling the various events, assuming leadership roles, giving seminars in classrooms, discussions with my friends, etc., were some of my most satisfying moments. I remember the day our House won the sports trophy, and whenever I see the photograph of the event, I feel so blessed.
Tell us something about your family. How did they welcome the news? What major role did your family play in your achievement?
My immediate family consists of my parents and my elder brother, and they all are doctors. They were happy beyond limit when they got the news. My brother told me that I have done “something incredible” which meant a lot to me. The best thing was that they never pressurised me to study. Once I told my mother about my desire to become a topper, though it was too much to ask for; she told me that I could do it if I really wanted.
To whom would you dedicate this achievement?
I dedicate this achievement to my school and to my loving teachers because this was possible only because of them.
Would you share with our readers some of the secrets of your success that they can apply in their life, too?
The most important thing, according to me, is to really listen to the teachers. Not just sit passively in the class, but to interact, ask questions and to make the best of every class. My suggestion to other students is that they must do everything sincerely and honestly. I never went for tuitions nor did I buy reference books. I cleared my concepts, did the homework on time, took each test and exam seriously and did my best. Solving the past years’ papers before the Boards, too, has helped me.
Do you have a vision for our country? What contributions are you prepared to make towards the realization of this vision?
Of course, I have a vision for our country. I wish our system would be more transparent, free of corruption and other evils, look after the welfare of its citizens, and most importantly care for them. I wish our leaders be free of hate and communal politics, to be accountable to the people and to have a vision for the country. I would try to work towards the realization of this vision by being a part of the system. I want to get in for Civil Service, and as an IAS officer, try to be honest and caring.
Which is the last book you read before the Board Examination? Has it in any way helped you in your academic achievement?
I read a few books before and during the Board Examination like: To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, The Forest Of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. I cannot say that they directly helped me in the exams, but I can confidently say that my reading habit has helped me in academics, especially in English.
Other than studies, what are your other interests?
I like reading books and novels, participating in debates and quizzes, watching news, etc. Lately, I have also been writing some poems.
What are your future plans?
I have taken up Humanities (English, Mathematics, Economics, Political Science and Legal Studies) in Class XI, to many people’s surprise. I am currently studying in Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, Delhi. I am also preparing for the law entrance exams like CLAT and AILET to hopefully get admission in one of the NLUs. After my B.A. L.L.B, I will either continue in law or prepare for the Civil Service.
Is there anything else that you like to share with our readers?
I would like to tell all my dear friends not to worry about marks, rather discover and develop your potential. Read a lot and never stop learning. Do what you are interested in, and contribute to your vision for India in your own way. Be conscious and responsible citizens of the country; the country desperately needs you!