BENGALURU
While most students entered their SSLC exam halls with hall tickets and pens, Kusuma S alias Kusumanjali reached the centre in an ambulance—still recovering from serious injuries—and went on to secure first class, turning a difficult journey into an inspiring achievement.
Kusuma, a student of St Mary’s High School in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), scored 374 out of 625 marks in the SSLC examinations. She secured B grades in Kannada, Hindi and Mathematics, and C+ in other subjects, despite spending months in and out of hospital following a severe accident.
In September last year, she met with a major road accident that caused grievous injuries to her leg, thigh and hips. She underwent multiple surgeries and remained under prolonged treatment. Just as she was recovering, she suffered an infection in December and had to be hospitalised again.
Doctors advised further surgeries after complete healing, but Kusuma refused to let her health condition derail her education. With permission from school authorities, she continued her studies from her hospital bed. Teachers regularly shared notes, assignments and learning material through her mobile phone, while classmates supported her academic progress.
As examinations approached, Kusuma expressed her determination to appear for the tests despite her condition. Her school coordinated with education officials to ensure necessary arrangements, and she was permitted to write the exams with the help of a scribe.
On exam days, she was brought to the centre in an ambulance, continuing her fight against physical limitations.
Now, with results declared, Kusuma—who is still undergoing treatment—has expressed deep satisfaction and gratitude towards her teachers, classmates and family for their unwavering support.
Her story has drawn admiration from educators and the public alike, highlighting extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of adversity.