16-year-old Meera Khoya works as a construction labourer in Ranchi
For 16-year-old Meera Khoya, a construction labourer, in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, passing class 10 board exam is an achievement in itself.
"I felt very happy. If I had written better I could even have secured a first division," said Meera
Meera, who currently works at a construction site of Jharkhand's new Vidhan Sabha building in Ranchi, lost her parents at a very early age after which the responsibility of her younger brother fell on her.
In the last year, Meera has juggled irregular attendance at school. Even after working for over 10 hours a day at construction sites followed by household work, she managed to clear her board exam.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Ajay Kumar in Uttar Pardesh's Mainpuri has managed to ace the class 12 board exam against all odds.
His physical disability does little to hold him back. Ajay appeared for exams and wrote by holding pen between his toes.
For Ajay's family, whose only source of income is farming, he has exceeded all expectations.
"I want to be an engineer and take my family out of this crushing poverty. I never thought I wouldn't be able to write my exams just because I have no hands," said Ajay beaming with confidence.