When life threw its challenge at her, she refused to bow down. At just eleven years old, when most children worry about homework and playground games, Adrija Gana of Nimta was battling T-cell lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Today, years after enduring 82 gruelling chemotherapy sessions, Adrija has emerged not just as a survivor — but as an achiever.
A student of Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls’ School, Adrija has secured ninth place in the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) merit list, scoring an astounding 97.37 per cent. Her name now shines among the brightest in the state.
When she was diagnosed in sixth grade, her family had to rush to Mumbai for urgent treatment. For two years and eight months, the sound of the beeping of medical machines was often louder than the sound of laughter. Yet, even amidst pain and uncertainty, her will to learn never faded.
“My daughter couldn’t attend school for a long time because of her illness,” said her father, Joymangal Gan, a teacher by profession, adding, “But her school stood firmly by her. The authorities ensured she didn’t fall behind in her studies. The institution’s support during those difficult days was invaluable.”
Though she has triumphed over cancer, Adrija still faces physical restrictions. She take precautions about her movements and interactions, as her immunity remains delicate. She now dreams of studying psychology. She believes that “understanding the human mind is very important at this time.”
Her parents describe Adrija’s success as the result of “collective effort — of family, school, and faith.”
Meanwhile, this year’s merit list has also seen other shining stars. Golam Faizal from Kolkata has topped the commerce stream with 97.50 pc, setting his sights on a career in Chartered Accountancy. Sneha Surai from Garden Reach’s Vidya Bharati School, secured the tenth position with 97.30 pc, continuing the city’s academic dominance.
From the districts, Deepanvita Pal of Daulatpur High School, Bansihari (Dakshin Dinajpur), emerged as the state’s top-performing girl, scoring 98.42 pc and ranking fourth overall. Previously ranked 13th in the Madhyamik examinations, Deepanvita now aims to excel further in her upcoming semester exams, saying with a smile, “I feel very happy. I plan to sit for the Joint Entrance.”
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