Know Who is Kaviya Janani Who Travelled 15 km Daily to Study in English Medium School, Scored 499/500 in TN Board Exam

New Delhi- In the realm of academic success, students are often lauded for their diligence and hard work, but for D. Kaviya Janani, the Tamil Nadu prodigy, credit extends beyond her own efforts as she acknowledges her parents' sacrifices, who endured great hardships to enroll her in an English medium school, propelling her towards greater heights.

Kaviya is mere 15 years old, who has triumphed over every obstacle.

Her achievement, clinching the top spot in the Class X State board examinations, is nothing short of a testament to her resilience, determination, and sheer passion for learning.

“I used to travel 15 kilometres daily to reach my school,” the topper told The Mooknayak.

“There were no English medium schools in my area, and my parents, despite their hardships, wanted me to have the best education.”

Kaviya then opened up about her family background, who live in the district of Ramanathapuram. Her parents are R. Dharmaraj, a welder working tirelessly on contract in Coimbatore, and D. Vasanthi, who contributes to the household income by managing a humble grocery shop in Kamuthi.

She shared the challenges her family encountered in covering her school fees and ensuring her education, despite the distance she had to travel and the financial strains they faced in sustaining their household.

When asked if she expected to do so well, the topper responded very confidently, “I did expect to do well. But I did not know I would score 499 [out of 500]. I thought I would score 495.”

Kaviya, aspiring to pursue a career as an IAS officer, has opted for Commerce and History subjects for her Class XII studies, believing they will pave the way for her journey into bureaucracy.

When questioned about her aspiration, she revealed that it was a dream she had harbored since she was young.

For further studies, she wishes to remain in the state.

The Mooknayak also reached out to her school, Rahmania Higher Secondary School. With hearts brimming with pride and admiration, the school staff expressed their belief in Kaviya's abilities, stating that her achievement was exactly what they anticipated.

They showered her with applause, acknowledging not just her outstanding academic performance but also the diligence and dedication she exhibited throughout her journey.

Another noteworthy fact is that Kaviya belongs to a Dalit community. Though she assured the media that she has only felt support from her peers and teachers, not every Dalit student has had that fortunate luck.

According to Shalin Maria Lawrence, a Dalit scholar and author, in both rural and urban settings, numerous Dalit children find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of dropout rates and child labor, a grim reality exacerbated by deep-seated social issues.

Discrimination and violence, woven into the fabric of their daily lives, serve as formidable barriers to their educational and personal advancement.

In the eyes of Shalin and numerous other Ambedkarite social activists, every Dalit student who persists in their journey, navigating through the myriad challenges imposed by societal inequalities, is inherently an achiever.

Their very existence in an environment marked by discrimination and systemic oppression is a testament to their resilience and strength.