Assam Girl Studying on Footpath for 10th Exams Lauded for Her Determination

Jorhat, February 11, 2020:

If one walks along the pavement at Ambika Giri Path in Jorhat, a bustling town in Assam, one is likely to behold the curious sight of a girl studying on the footpath.

Pooja Sharma, a student appearing for the ongoing High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination, has been studying hard for her good results, but unlike a majority of the students, her story is fraught with struggle.

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She has been studying in the footpath ever since she was four years old. Pooja, who hails from Assam’s Jorhat district, has now gained cult status after pictures and video of the Class X student studying on the footpath by the roadside went viral.

"The girl first rose to prominence via Facebook, and Pooja's story was subsequently lapped up by mediapersons. The girl belongs to a very humble background, and lives with her sister and brother-in-law, who both work in hotels. During the day, she studies by the roadside near her sister's place of employment, and in the evening, she leaves for home", says Bidyadhar Kalita, a Jorhat local who has seen the girl studying on the pavement.

When this reporter went to meet Pooja, her older sister implored us not to disturb us, as the exams are near. "Lots of mediapersons and bystranders have gathered here...she needs to study", the sister said.

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The story of this Assam girl has already inspired many netizens and her story of unparalleled determination amid poverty is bound to inspire many students to study even harder to perform well in exams.

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