Maneesha used to cycle two to three km everyday to school. Through unwavering determination and sheer dint of hardwork she has scored 611 (97.76 %) in the SSLC examination.

A student of Vidyanagara Government PU College, Mudarangadi, she is the daughter of proud parents Shekhar Shetty and Shashikala of Maniyur.

Maneesha tops the Udupi district in Kannada medium. While Maneesha’s father works in a hotel, mother Shashikala rolls beedis to supplement the family income. Her brother is in Mumbai now after completing his PUC. Taking beedis rolled by her mother to beedi branch is a part of her daily routine.

Although she had to study with a kerosene lamp, as her house lacks electricity, Maneesha was keen on excelling in her studies.  

Though her marks go thus, Kannada—124, English—96, Hindi—98, Mathematics—99, Science—96 and Social Science—98, Maneesha said that she had expected more in Mathematics and Social Science.

The top performer wants to be an engineer. Though the financial constraints at home worries her parents with regard to supporting her higher studies, her mother is determined to support her studies despite all hurdles.

“Maneesha was a disciplined student whose top priority was studies. A friendly girl, she has made both her parents, school and the district very proud,” School principal Dr Janardhan Bhat said.

Maneesha’s performance in the SSLC examinations is a clear statement that government schools are no less than private schools in terms of imparting quality education.