Kashmir 10th class topper calls for balancing technology with book reading

Anantnag, Jan 14: Aneesa Shafi, a student from Anantnag who secured a perfect score in the matriculation examination, urged students to strike a balance between the use of technology and traditional book reading, saying overdependence on electronic gadgets can negatively affect learning.

Aneesa, a student of Whiz Kids School Khanabal, was among the 19 toppers in the examination and scored 500 out of 500.

“I did make use of technology, but you need to draw a line,” Aneesa said. “You can’t entirely rely on gadgets and the internet to acquire knowledge. Reading prescribed textbooks and other books is equally important.”

Hailing from Chee village of Anantnag district, the visibly elated student said that excessive use of electronic devices for studies could have adverse effects.

“Using electronic gadgets extensively for studies can affect concentration and learning,” she said.

Aneesa said she was confident about her performance but did not expect a perfect score.

“All my papers went well, but I never thought I would secure 500 out of 500,” she said.

She attributed her success to regular school attendance and a disciplined study routine. “I was regular in school and used to study for about three hours daily. A month before the final examinations, I increased my study hours,” she said.

The topper said that qualitative hard work, rather than long hours of study alone, was the key to academic success.

“Hard work is important, but the focus should be on qualitative studies, not just the number of hours,” Aneesa said. “Students should remain focused, avoid unnecessary peer pressure and be thankful for whatever comes their way.”

She said she also actively participated in co-curricular activities at school, which helped her maintain balance alongside academics.

“I always made time for co-curricular activities, which helped me stay motivated,” she said.

Aneesa is the first student in her family to pass the matriculation examination.

Her father, Muhammad Shafi, is a businessman, while her mother is a homemaker. Her two siblings are currently studying.

She credited her parents, teachers and the management of Whiz Kids School for supporting her throughout her academic journey.

“My parents, teachers and the school management supported me at every step,” she said.

However, Aneesa said her achievement was only the beginning. “This is not the end of my journey. I have opted for science subjects in 10+2 and I cannot afford to relax or lose focus,” she said, adding that she aspires to pursue a career in the medical profession.

Her father said the family always believed in her abilities and never imposed pressure on her.

“We never put any unnecessary pressure on her and gave her complete freedom,” Muhammad Shafi said, as relatives and villagers gathered at their home to congratulate Aneesa on her achievement.