Meeting
with a Topper: A Moment to Cherish
By Ashok Karan
📸 Text and Photos: Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

Sometimes,
the best moments in life are completely unplanned. One such moment occurred
when I had the privilege of meeting Vaishnavi Swadha, the city topper of
CBSE Class 12 (DPS Ranchi) with an astounding 99.6%. Her academic
journey is nothing short of inspirational, having also scored 99% in Class
10 —a testament to her unwavering commitment and brilliance.

The
media—both print and electronic—were understandably eager for interviews and
glimpses of this proud prodigy. For me, the opportunity came quite
unexpectedly. Vaishnavi had visited my next-door neighbor, to whom she is
closely related, and was invited for a warm family lunch. I was fortunate
enough to be introduced during this gathering.

Meeting her
in person was truly elevating. Her calm demeanor, humble attitude, and
articulate speech reflected not just her academic excellence but also her
deep-rooted values. She spoke softly yet confidently, with each word reflecting
clarity, intent, and maturity far beyond her years.

During our
conversation, she shared the secret behind her success: discipline and
consistency. Vaishnavi never let distractions interfere with her studies.
She maintained a perfect balance between her school curriculum and preparation
for competitive exams. Her advice to juniors? “Don’t waste time. Make
studying a habit rather than a burden—it will become second nature.”

But
Vaishnavi is not just about academics. She has always had a deep fascination
for the arts—both visual and performing. During the COVID-19 lockdown,
she used the time creatively, exploring painting, design, and other art
forms through online platforms like YouTube.

Her hard
work bore further fruit when she secured an impressive All India Rank of 12
in the entrance exam for the Bachelor of Design program at IIT Bombay.
She’s all set to join this prestigious institute in July, where she will delve
into fields like animation, graphic design, and photography. According
to her, design is still an emerging field in India, full of untapped potential,
and she’s excited to be part of its evolution.

Vaishnavi
also shared a powerful perspective: “Marks don’t define your career—it’s
your passion that does. Whether it’s singing, acting, or art, your interest is
your true path.”

Her proud
parents, Rajiv Ranjan and Supriya Shalini, both from the medical
field, are elated. Supriya ji mentioned that while they never pressured her
academically, they provided continuous support in both her studies and
extracurricular pursuits, including painting and sports.

As she
embarks on this new chapter of her life, I wholeheartedly wish her all the
success in her academic journey and beyond.

📷 In Pictures:

1.    
Vaishnavi
Swadha basking in her success.

2.    
Vaishnavi
with her parents, Supriya Shalini and Rajiv Ranjan.

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🌐 Visit: ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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