Kolkata: Parvin Sultana, a young woman from West Bengal, has secured the top position in the All India Industrial Training Institute (ITI) examination 2024 in the Mechanic Diesel Trade, scoring an impressive 599 out of 600 marks. Despite financial struggles, she achieved this remarkable feat without private coaching. Recognizing her exceptional performance, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated her, and she also received official recognition from Delhi.
Hailing from Taldi village in South 24 Parganas district, Parvin ranked first among female candidates nationwide. However, her academic success contrasts with her family’s financial difficulties. Her father, Taziur Rahman Sardar, works as a daily wage laborer in a fish market, striving to support their seven-member household.
Parvin’s educational journey has been one of determination. She completed her schooling at Taldi Surabala Sikshayatan for Girls’ School, securing 42% in her Madhyamik exams in 2017 and 76% in her Higher Secondary exams in 2019. In 2023, she earned a Political Science degree with 66% marks.
Despite financial hardships, Parvin remained focused on her studies, preparing for the ITI exam with the guidance of her college teachers instead of opting for private tutoring. “I couldn’t afford a tutor, but my teachers supported me. I want to prove that girls can excel in every field,” she said.
Lokman Mollah, a social worker in Canning, praised her perseverance, stating, “Many talented students in the Sundarbans go unnoticed due to financial constraints. Parvin’s success is proof that determination can overcome any obstacle.”
Parvin was honored at a public reception in Canning, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and led by MLA Paresh Ram Das. Canning Panchayat Samiti President Uttam Das also recognized her achievements, while her mother, Rijia Bibi, voiced concerns about financial constraints. “She wants to study further, but we lack the resources,” she said.
Assuring assistance, MLA Paresh Ram Das stated, “Just as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supports meritorious students, we, too, stand by them.”
While excelling in the ITI exam, Parvin’s ultimate goal is to serve society through the civil services. Inspired by her recent success, she has decided to prepare for competitive exams. “Initially, I wasn’t sure what to study for a secure job, but after my ITI results, many suggested civil services. Now, I am enrolling in a coaching center in Kolkata to prepare,” she said.
Parvin’s journey from a small village to national recognition serves as an inspiration, proving that resilience and hard work can overcome financial hardships.
