Biswanath, April 30: In Assam’s Biswanath district, a young student balancing work and education has emerged as a compelling example of perseverance after securing a first division in the Higher Secondary examinations while supporting her family as an e-rickshaw driver.
Reema Terangpi, a student of Biswanath Commerce Senior Secondary School, scored 307 marks, achieving the milestone under circumstances marked by financial hardship and personal responsibility. Her daily routine has, for over a year, involved transporting passengers in an e-rickshaw before attending college, a necessity driven by her family’s situation.
With her mother unwell and her father recovering from a fractured leg, Reema, the eldest among four sisters, assumed the role of an earning member to sustain the household. The decision to take up driving was not voluntary but essential, as the family struggled to manage expenses with limited support.
Reflecting on her results, Reema said she had not expected to perform at that level. She acknowledged that balancing work and studies was difficult but unavoidable, given the financial pressures at home. Despite these challenges, she continued her academic preparation without access to common study resources, often studying while seated on her bed.
The family has received minimal external assistance, aside from benefits under the state’s Orunodoi Scheme, which supports her mother. Even on the day the results were declared, Reema continued her work routine, underscoring the ongoing need for daily income.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, though she is also considering a diploma course as a more financially viable option. Her decision reflects the continued constraints shaping her educational path.
Reema’s achievement highlights the realities faced by many students in rural and semi-urban India, where education often unfolds alongside economic struggle. Without access to structured coaching or extensive resources, her success has been shaped by discipline, necessity and sustained effort.
For her community, she represents a growing group of young individuals who shoulder family responsibilities early while continuing to pursue education. Her result marks a significant step, but her journey remains ongoing as she continues to balance livelihood with academic ambition.
