Nation builders dream of achieving highest success
These are the views of the 'nation builders of tomorrow' who were awarded for their outstanding performance in 'A' and 'O' level examinations yesterday. The Daily Star saluted the little gems through its 7th award giving ceremony held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.
More than 600 students received the awards at the ceremony. With overwhelming enthusiasm, the evergreen young boys and girls of different English medium schools across the country expressed their ecstasy. At the same time, they bear the rationale, seemingly to be more matured in thinking than many aged individuals.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Blend of their emotion and practical sense of the reality on the country's political, economic, social and educational status is undoubtedly laudable.
"An immense majority of the people of our country often do not have much choice over many things that affect them, ranging from food and shelter to health and safety. This lack of options and opportunities is what equates poverty to subsistence and a powerless existence," said Yasir Bin Baqui who achieved 5 'A's with highest marks in Further Mathematics in 'A' level.
His ambition is to become an aerospace engineer and researcher. "Though there is little scope to apply the subject in Bangladesh, I can once bring name and fame for my motherland -- maybe by becoming the first one of the land to go to Mars," he told The Daily Star.
The boy, who also achieved 10 'A's in 'O' level from Sunshine Grammar School in Chittagong, feels that it is the students who can really bring a dramatic change to socio-economic condition of the country through working for their own community.
"Why should children have to work in the fields while we go to the school? Why should urchins wander in roads when the school bell rings? Can't we do anything to help them?" he questions while expressing his feeling at the huge gathering. "The one thing lacking in our country is community service from people of our age."
On the politics of the country, Yasir said the educated people are scared to join politics, which is a serious setback for the nation. "Unless the good people join politics, breaking the barriers of bad name of crimes and corruption by the politicians, it is hardly possible to bring about positive changes in the country."
Prathama Komal Nabi, who achieved 2 'A's in 'O' level and the world's highest score in Accounting in June 2004 session from Sunnydale International School, wants to study neurosciences. "Wherever I will be, I must contribute to the development of the nation with my knowledge."
She thinks that lack of education, especially in the field of scientific research, is one of the major setbacks for the country. "This should be given the top priority, because once people of a country are genuinely educated, the nation will be self-reliant in every aspect of life."
On her choice of studying neurosciences, Prathama said with the knowledge of neurosciences, human behaviour can be understood. "The higher studies on the topic can help contribute to development of human mind."
A champion in this year's English debate competition on BTV, Prathama has also excellent skills in dance and Tagore's songs.
Sarah Fouzia, an 'O' level Valedictorian from Saint Scholastica English Medium School, said the tragedy for the nation is that the politicians who make policies for the country do not have consistency in their words and action.
Sarah, who achieved 10 'A's and the highest scores in Accounting, Biology, Human Biology and English language in Bangladesh, said she will pursue higher studies either in medicine or economics, but "I must be successful in whatever I do and contribute to the development of the nation."
Also a Hawaiian guitarist, she thinks that extra curricular activities -- whatever those are -- should never be seen as a hobby but should be taken as a serious activity that can add flavour to anybody's life.
The students also expressed gratitude to their parents and teachers for their outstanding performance.
"It was my parents and teachers who instilled in me the confidence that I can do better and the best," says Fouzia.
Quoting German writer Goethe, Prathama said, "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
"This is something I have come to believe in and it inspired me to trudge along," she added.
"So, no matter what people say, if you believe that you can do something, then go ahead and change the world. And in the process of changing the world, maybe, just maybe, we can turn around, and build this nation," she speaks in the tune that echoes in the hearts of all present at the auditorium.