Ahmedabad boys show their mettle, shine in maths & tech in Cambridge international exams

Two Amdavadi boys have emerged toppers at a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) exam - one globally, and the other at the all-India level. In the subject Applied Information and Communication technology (AICT) of the AS level (equivalent to class XI), Karan Shah has emerged a world topper and Vinayak Dhaddha, an India-level topper.

"I am over-whelmed, and so is my family. My mother cried on hearing the news," said Karan Shah, when asked for his reaction to this achievement. A student of JG International School, Karan has added a very prominent feather to his cap with this distinction - he is probably the only student from India to have secured a world-level rank in this examination.

Karan has topped in India in mathematics and economics, and has also stood second in three AS-level subjects. However, the boy is as grounded as they come. "Besides my hard work, what really helped me become what I am today, was the support of my teachers," he said.

Regarding his future plans, Karan revealed, "I wish to pursue Mechatronics, and am planning to apply to colleges in the US for the same."

The word 'topper' immediately throws up words like 'studious' and 'a bookworm' in the mind. But Karan is different. At 16 years of age, Karan has many stories of co-curricular success to share. "I am a black belt holder in karate. I'm also the captain of my school's basketball team," he said.

Speaking about the results, Brinda Ghosh, principal of JG International School, said, "The CIE results, all over the world, were declared on Thursday. It was then that we came to know about the students' achievement."

Shy but terribly hardworking, Vinayak Dhaddha has stood first in India in AICT. "This happened by chance. I never expected to secure the top rank across the country," said the visibly happy student. A computer engineering aspirant, Vinayak has plans to study the course of his choice in the US. A football fan, Vinayak also spends time in social work. And what about his study hours?

"I used to study for two hours everyday. During exams, these would increase to 6-7 hours a day," he said.