Dropping Her Last Name, Top-Ranked ISC Student in Bengal Emphasizes Humanism as the Only Religion
Colossal Kolkata: Meet Srijani Mukherjee, the ISC top scorer from West Bengal who nailed a perfect 400 out of 400, and proudly chose to forgo her surname on her exam form. This bold move is rooted in her commitment to a society that transcends caste, creed, religion, gender, and economic status.
This 17-year-old powerhouse from the Future Foundation School in South Kolkata aced every subject with a 100. Balancing academic rigor with activism, she joined the Women Reclaim the Night movement following the tragic rape-murder of an RG Kar medical student.
"I'm not a label, and neither should anyone be. I believe in a society that rises above societal labels," Srijani, a resident of Tollygunge, shared with PTI. With her family's wholehearted support, she stands firm on her ideals, mirroring the values instilled in her since childhood.
Her parents, Professor Debashis Goswami (ISI) and Gopa Mukherjee (Gurudas College), couldn't be more proud of their daughter's accomplishment and her unwavering principles. In a path-breaking move, neither Srijani nor her parents include a surname on their official documents, championing a society free from patriarchal and chauvinistic prejudices.
"Both my daughters embody the values we instilled in them since birth. I myself don't use my husband's surname. We envision a society free from the shackles of societal distinctions," Srijani's mom proudly stated.
Fighting the good fight, Srijani and her mother took part in multiple RG Kar protests. "My activism never conflicts with my academic pursuits," Srijani says, demonstrating a remarkable balance between academics, activism, and personal relationships.
Aspiring to explore the realms of pure science like her father, Srijani is more than just a brilliant student. With her humanist beliefs and commitment to social justice, she's a beacon of hope for a progressive, inclusive society.
A school official appreciates Srijani's stance, acknowledging the legality of omitting a surname in such cases. So here's to Srijani, a trailblazer taking on the world with courage, brains, and an unwavering commitment to change.
- Srijani Mukherjee, the ISC top scorer from Tollygunge, not only excelled in her education-and-self-development but also stood against societal prejudices by choosing to omit her surname on her exam form, reflecting her principles of a society free from patriarchal and chauvinistic bias.
- Srijani's personal growth extends beyond academics as she balances her activism with her studies, participating in movements like Women Reclaim the Night and RG Kar protests, demonstrating a commitment to education, self-development, and social justice.
- Srijani's journey, supported by her lucky break to perfection on her exams and her family's wholehearted approval, sets an example for personal growth and society's transformation, hoping to inspire a more progressive and inclusive world.
