With Sky-High Aspirations, Mumbai Footpath Dweller, Asma Scored 40% & Cleared Her SSC Exam

Students often take tuitions or attend private classes in order to score good marks during their board exams. However, not everyone has the privilege to do so. And, sometimes despite all the hardships few students face, they still pass with flying colors. Like, the Indore laborer’s daughter who passed her class X examination with first division or a 50-year old grandmother who cleared her class 12 after 32 years.

Speaking of which, meet Asma Sheikh, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, who scored 40 per cent in her SSC examination despite not having a roof over her head or any space to study. Asma, who has lived on the footpath all her life was quoted saying by HT,

“I have been working very hard to be able to study. I would even use the street light in the night, just to be able to read. I usually studied during the night because it is less crowded then.”

Living on the footpath near Azad Maidan, this 17-year-old girl scored 40 per cent in #SSC Exams 2020. pic.twitter.com/GeIBRCZ5fU

— Mumbai Mirror (@MumbaiMirror) July 29, 2020

However, she mentioned that it was a challenge to study during the monsoon season. She added, “Yes it’s a bit difficult to study during the rainy season. But my father used to make a plastic shade.” Asma revealed that she was expecting to score more marks but is happy with her results.

The hard-working girl now wants to pursue further studies in Arts. She said, “I will be happy to get admission in any college and many people have come forward to help me and encourage me to study harder.” Her father Salim Sheikh was quoted saying, “I am very happy that my daughter has scored 40 per cent and it’s a proud movement for me. I only studied until the first standard. People staying here on the footpath hardly study.”

Maharashtra: Asma Sheikh, a 17-year-old girl living on the pavement outside Azad Maidan in Mumbai has scored 40% in 10th board exams. She says,"My family supported my education. In the absence of basic amenities, they tried giving me whatever they could to help me pass my exams." pic.twitter.com/sC4oHmHiFT

— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2020

Salim, who doesn’t have permanent employment, makes odd sales like selling juice or corn on the streets of Mumbai so that he can make ends meet. The proud father said, “I came here with my father and have been living here since my childhood. I will be happy if my daughter can make her life stable and successful.”

Many people applauded Asma’s grit and determination to score well despite all the adversities she faced:

Don't forget she lives on a pavement and has scored this marks. Not like any other kid like u who fails even after having all the facilities. If u can't appreciate don't degrade atleast.

— Falguni Brahmbhatt (@advocatefalguni) July 29, 2020

@AUThackeray @CMOMaharashtra @OfficeofUT @zeeshan_iyc can we please come together and help this girl for more studies the only way to fight begging is study

— Shaikh Rehan (@Erbynochoice) July 29, 2020

True man …… Because it is the effort which counts and the challenges she faced while preparing wold have been enormous

So happy for her🥰🥰🥰

— 나는 모디가 싫어. (@RICK__C__137) July 29, 2020

We need to start realising that high marks are not the only thing to be happy. She might have worked harder, compared to those who scored 90 percent. It good that they are celebrating 40 percent just like others did with their 95 percent.

— avichal mishra (@Scribbled_desk) July 30, 2020

There is only one thing required to change life: Willingness..hats off….i am not aware of her financial status, if her father is not able to meet expanses for her future studies I wish to support her. Do let me know..

— Manoj jogiya (@ManojJogiya) July 30, 2020

Huge respect to Asma… May she keep growing like the endless sky… Hope we all take some learnings and try to put our efforts irrespective of the situation we are in… Let's try and support such stars of India

— ParnabSC (@parnab_sc) July 29, 2020

Lots of love, and congratulations to you sister 🌼🌼🌼🌼💙💙💙💙 Education is the only way we can liberate ourselves!!!! God bless you with a home, financial support, food, further education, and a good career for ur future!

— Abhishek (@abhi94v) July 29, 2020

Hats off to Asma for her dedication and hard work. We wish her a bright and successful life ahead!

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