Rachana Kamat: 2018 South Goa District SSC topper

Editorial Team 22nd August 201831st October 2020 Goa, Mahila and Nutan High School, Margao, SSC

Rachana Kamat, a student of Mahila and Nutan High School, Margao, topped South Goa district and came second in the all-Goa Board of Examinations, in the SSC Examinations 2018. SERA D’COSTA and ALFONSO ELENGIKAL met Rachana at her residence in Margao. Excerpts from the interview.

Rachana Kamat, 2018 South Goa District SSC topper

Congratulations, Rachana! You have done all us, your family, your school and all your well wishers proud. THE TEENAGER TODAY, too, is really proud of you. Tell us something about yourself, your parents and siblings.
Ours is a small family, composed of my “papa” (father), mother and my brother who is five years younger to me. My father, Naguesh Kamat, is a tax consultant, and a senior LIC Agent. My mother, Namrata Kamat, too, works as an LIC Agent.

Has the news of your topping the list of rank-holders in Goa Board come as a surprise you?
To be frank, no! The news did not surprise me at all! From the beginning of the academic year, this was my goal: to top the Goa Board. I missed it just by four marks. I am happy and excited that I topped the South Goa district, and also secured the second rank in the State.

Would you mind sharing with us your secret of success?
Yes, happily! Right from the start of the academic year my focus was on my studies, and on the goal that I had set before me of becoming the topper!

From the day I entered Std X, our TV was switched off permanently. On my part, I kept social media completely out. Of course, like any other teenager, I too had “teenage distractions” coming my way. But for one year, I decided to keep them all away. Today, I am happy that I did that. During my study leave, I dedicated at least eight hours daily for personal study, and my tuition classes… it was not learning the lessons by heart, but doing it analytically.

What role did your parents and the family play in your achievement?
They were with me all the way, supporting me in all possible ways. My dream of becoming the top ranker was their dream, as well. Whenever they saw me losing heart, or becoming downcast, or feeling lonely, they were there at my side strengthening me and motivating me. At the beginning of the year, my father wrote on a piece of paper “No. 1” and brought it to my room. I pasted it on the wall of my room, and it is still there. This was a big morale booster! My younger brother, who is hardly 10, too co-operated with me by not distracting me in any way. He never even entered my room when I was studying. I have dedicated my success to him!

What about your school and your teachers?
They were most supportive, all the way, encouraging me all the time. All of them kept telling me that I am capable of making my dream come true. Also my tuition teachers helped me a lot. They were ready to spend any amount of time for me, even keeping aside their personal works. My school was second home for me.

Who are your role models in life?
Other than my parents who are my first role models, I look up to Dr Abdul Kalam, our former President, and Swami Vivekananda as my role models in life. Dr Kalam’s book Wings of Fire has considerably influenced my thinking; also spiritual thoughts and wise sayings of Swami Vivekanada have been a great source of inspiration and strength to me.

Do you have other past times or hobbies other than studies?
Yes, I love to play badminton, and whenever I can spare time in the evenings, I do play badminton. I am also interested in reading and writing. I have also contributed some articles to our school magazine. Given the opportunity, I am willing to write for THE TEENAGER TODAY, as well.

What are your future plans?
As of now, I have joined Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School for my XIth Std. My aim is to be a cardiac specialist, and I am attending some coaching classes in view of that.

A final question… Are you proud of being born a girl and not a boy?
I am really proud that I am a girl. My parents too never showed any difference between me and my brother. They did everything for me, even though that meant a lot of struggle for a middle-class family like ours.

Moreover, I feel that in most cases, it is the girl child who feels more for the parents, and is supportive of them when they are really in need.

All the best, Rachana. God bless you in your future plans and dreams.