Sayan Naskar has recently made headlines for securing a perfect score in the ITI (Industrial Training Institute) exam- 600 out of 600, the highest in Eastern India. His top-class performance secured him a national-level award, with the Prime Minister awarding him. From a small village in Canning, Sayan's rags-to-riches story has inspired thousands of people in West Bengal and other parts of India.
Who is Sayan Naskar?
Sayan Naskar is a resident of Bayarsing village under the Taldi Gram Panchayat in Canning. An ideal example of how one can transcend all hurdles through sheer hard work and determination. He did his secondary and higher secondary from Taldi Mohanchand School, Canning. Sayan was never a child prodigy as everybody believes. His teachers remember that his achievement was a result of consistent concentration and effort. The headmaster of the school, Manas Panigrahi, said, "He obtained more than 60% marks in secondary and higher secondary examinations. His dedication was very much visible. We knew he would succeed at higher levels."
A moment of pride with PM Modi
In this year's ITI exam, Sayan scored a flawless 600 out of 600- the highest score in Eastern India. Such a feat hit the headlines in Canning and throughout West Bengal. Exemplary ITI toppers are normally felicitated by high-ranking officials, but this time the recognition extended to the national level. Among 46 top students nationwide, the Prime Minister gave away the awards personally, and Sayan was one among the five top West Bengal scorers. He remembers with fondness, "The Prime Minister gave me my certificate and said ‘Badhai ho’. I had hoped for good marks but topping it all was beyond my dreams."
The pillars behind
Sayan belongs from a low-income background. His father, Subrata Naskar, owns a small paan corner, and his mother, Rina Naskar, works as an ASHA health worker. Though they were short of money, Sayan's parents never made him feel it. "My parents never thought twice before spending on my education. They always supported me," Sayan recollects.
Sayan’s fascination with computers
Sayan was fascinated with computers from his childhood, but due to the financial strains he did not have his own laptop or personal computer at home. He learned everything from school, without any outside coaching. He first studied in the arts stream but soon understood that studying computers would lead to greater opportunities. Post-school, he went on to study at Bankim Sardar College, Canning, for his undergraduate studies, and then went on to join ITI to do a one-year computer operator course.
Now, Sayan has his own computer and is studying for competitive job tests, as well as waiting for campus placements by his college. He wants to spend a bit more time on the perfect moment and the perfect job. Apart from studies, cricket and music interest him, although the demands of studies leave no time for sport. His own aim at present is one to settle down and take care of his parents and his specially abled big brother.
Now, with the help of his family and his eyes set on higher studies and fulfilling employment, Sayan Naskar is the shining star of his village. His story is one of determination, resilience, and the conviction that situations do not determine fate.
