RSS school's Muslim boy tops Assam 10th boards

GUWAHATI: Overcoming financial hurdles, a waiter's son in Guwahati topped the Assam
class X board examination, the results of which were declared on Tuesday.

Sarfaraz Hussain, 16, a student of Sankardev Sishu Niketan, a cluster of schools run
under the RSS- affiliated Vidya Bharati, scored 590 out of 600 marks (98.3% ) to clinch the
top slot. About four lakh students appeared for the exam.

"I am very happy at being rewarded for my hard work. After the exam, I was expecting a
position in the Top 10. But securing the first position was unexpected. I am really grateful
to my teachers and relatives for all the support," said a jubilant Sarfaraz. "I firmly believe
one can overcome financial hurdles through sheer dedication in studies."

His father, Azmal Hussain, works as a waiter in a restaurant and the family lives in a hilly
area. With tears in his eyes, Azmal hugged those who came to greet him for his son's
success. "I can't express my feelings today," said Hussain.

State education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rushed to Sarfaraz's school soon after
declaration of the results. Sarma said the state government will waive off all fees for Sarfaraz at the prestigious Cotton College in
Guwahati, where he is heading next. The minister also pledged a fund of of Rs 5 lakh for Sarfaraz's further studies and a grant of Rs 10
lakh for infrastructure development of Sankardev Sishu Niketan, Betkuchi, as a reward for the good result.

Describing the success of Sarfaraz as an achievement of Vidya Bharati, Sarma said, "It is a matter of pride for our ideological family." He
expressed hope that one Vidya Bharati-run school would be set up in every gram panchayat area of the state.

Sarfaraz enjoys his leisure time by playing cricket and watching edutainment channels. Inspired by former President A P J Abdul Kalam,
Sarfaraz wants to become an engineer but is also interested in politics, which he feels is a medium to transform society.