Sons of gas vendor, generator operator top Bihar board exam

Sons of a gas vendor and a contractual generator operator in Bihar have topped the state board Class 12 examination in science and commerce.

Both are from the rural background with their families struggling to eke out a living. The result was announced Tuesday evening.

Ravish Kumar, 17, who topped in Bihar in the science stream of intermediate examination conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board, is son of gas vendor Ashok Kumar Singh.

Singh delivers gas cylinders in Danapur town near Patna.

"I am a proud father. My son is hard working and devoted to his study and wants to become a scientist to contribute for the development of India," Singh said.

Ravish, a student of DAV High School in Danapur, said his first aim is to clear IIT entrance exam next year. "After that I will join research," he said.

He admitted that even though he did not have basic resources and facilities due to his poor background, he used to study 12 to 13 hours a day and that helped him secure the top rank. He scored 425 out of 500 marks in the examination.

Avinash Kumar, 18, who topped in the state in commerce stream of intermediate examination is son of Surender Prasad, who works as a generator operator in Gaya district.

"I am a lowly paid man," Prasad said.

Avinash, a student of Gaya College in Gaya, wants to become a businessman. "After completing my higher education, I will go for business to fulfill my dream," he said.