This is the story of our topper from the Centre of Excellence in Kokrajhar, Assam.

A consistent performer through and through, Ramhungneile knew what she wanted and was willing to put in the work to get there, despite alarming hurdles along the way. Where most students her age might have been deterred, she remained steadfast in her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and supporting her family.

She comes from a large family of nine, and she was attuned early to there not being enough to go around the table. Her father's income from teaching lower primary students at a government school could only go so far. Living in a remote, mountainous settlement called Nianglo Pungo in Assam, the family also faced inadequate infrastructure and harsh winters. The ongoing Manipur-Assam conflict added to their struggles. With the village sharing a boundary with Manipur, residents were often anxious about localised political movements, transit blockades, and ethnic friction.

As household expenses mounted, her father took on loans to meet the family's needs, leaving them caught in a cycle of repayments. From medical needs to travel expenses, they often had to borrow from friends and relatives. Ramhungneile recalls her mother borrowing money even to travel and visit her at school when she fell ill, with the border conflict escalating without warning and travel a constant worry.

Despite these struggles, her parents were focused on the education of all their children. Their support amid such difficulties made Ramhungneile realise the power that quality education holds.

Witnessing their struggle first-hand has been her biggest motivation. She wants to pursue a career in STEM at one of India's reputed institutes, gain exposure to solving real-world problems, and build something meaningful back in her village. Already rife with conflict that disrupts daily life, infrastructure, and commerce, her village lacks young people who want to stay and serve the community.

After joining Avanti's coaching through JNV Kokrajhar, she put in several hours of dedicated study, benefited from weekly mock tests and retention sessions, and clarified her questions through career guidance and mentorship. Her intense preparation was rewarded with admission to an undergraduate programme in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at IIT Patna, laying the foundation for a brighter future for her and her family. We at Avanti are proud to have played a role in paving the way.