Handwara, Jan 15 (KNO): In a heartwarming tale of grit and determination, 17-year-old Faizan Majeed Malik from Guloora, Handwara in North Kashmir’s Kupwara District has scripted a success story straight out of adversity, by scoring 488 marks in JKBOSE Class 10 exams.
In an exclusive chat with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Faizan, son of a daily wager, Abdul Majeed Malik, said he managed his studies inside a cramped temporary tin shed, battling extreme hot summer and the bone chilling winters.
"I used to study a few hours daily despite the challenges", said, Faizan, who had no smartphone distractions with only his books, belief and guidance from the teachers at Government Boys' High School. "My teachers played a great role in my success and my parents never let me down, even when times were tough".
Expressing surprise at his results, Faizan said, "I expected 460-470 marks but when I checked, I couldn't believe it at first. I had no worries though I knew I gave my best in the exams".
The tin shed warrior Faizan has a clear ambition — to become a doctor and uplift his family. "I won't let him do a labour work", vowed his father Abdul Majeed Malik. "I'll go to any extent to see him achieve his dreams. His hard work has paid off", Malik said.
It is noteworthy, Faizan's feat has drawn offers of free coaching and assistance from South Kashmir to Central Kashmir, including his own North Kashmir institutions, besides MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed.
"I'm very thankful to people who wished me and are offering help", Faizan added graciously.
In a message to peers, the 17-year old urged, "To those who didn't make it this time, don't be disappointed — there's always a next time. Even people at top positions faced challenges once"—(KNO)