Jalandhar: The son of an e-rickshaw driver who migrated from Bihar to Punjab after the Covid-19 pandemic has secured third rank in the Class X exams of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), results of which were declared on Monday.
Mahesh Kumar Thakur's Achievement
Mahesh Kumar Thakur, a student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, scored 643 out of 650 marks. He emerged as the district topper in Jalandhar while sharing the third rank in the state. The school has recently turned co-educational, but its name is yet to be changed.
"I was quite sure that I would be in the merit list, but I never imagined that I would secure first rank in the district and third in the state," Mahesh said. He now aspires to pursue science at a government meritorious school and aims to become a cardiologist through AIIMS.
Family Background and Migration
Mahesh's family migrated from Samastipur district in Bihar to Punjab in 2021 in search of better livelihood opportunities after the pandemic worsened their financial condition. "Our father was not earning enough and loans had mounted, so the family shifted to Punjab," said Mahesh's elder brother, Sooraj.
The family lives in a two-room house in Guru Nanak Pura. Mahesh's father, Sanjay Kumar, operates an e-rickshaw, while his mother, Mala Devi, works as a cook in several households.
Preparation Strategy
Mahesh credited his teachers, previous years' question papers, and YouTube lectures for helping him prepare for the exams. His disciplined study routine and focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning played a key role in his success.
He plans to continue his hard work in higher secondary education to achieve his dream of becoming a cardiologist. The achievement has brought pride to his family and the local community, highlighting the power of determination and hard work despite financial hardships.
