Harry Potter fan is a science topper in Udupi

Mangaluru/ Udupi: A die-hard Harry Potter fan and an aspiring doctor, Bhoomika R Hegde from MGM College, Udupi, secured an impressive 595 out of 600 in the II PUC exams. While thrilled with the result, she still cannot get over the three marks she lost. She was expecting to score 598.

Bhoomika, the daughter of Ravindra Hegde, general manager at Jindal Steel in Ballari, and Vrinda, a schoolteacher, hails from Saligrama. Her family was keen that she pursue her PU education at MGM College, for which she has been staying with her aunt for the past two years. Currently preparing for NEET, Bhoomika has set her sights on a career in medicine. Known for her discipline and drive, she combines her rigorous academic schedule with a love for reading—especially fantasy fiction. "Harry Potter has been my best companion through it all," she smiles.

Bengaluru girl tops in DK

Staying in a students' hostel in Puttur, P Yuktha Sree, who hails from Bengaluru, secured 593 marks in arts to become the topper in Dakshina Kannada. A student of Vivekananda PU College, Puttur, Yuktha said she attended more extra coaching classes than regular teaching hours. Extra classes from 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 7 pm on the campus helped her grasp subjects thoroughly, while one month of rigorous preparation before the examination ensured her entry into the toppers' list. While her father, P Hemachandra, a businessman, and Hymitha P, a homemaker, are far away from her, she involved herself completely in curricular activities. "My bond with Puttur for education started from Class VIII, staying in a hostel with my sister, a law student. I want to write the UPSC exam and become an IAS officer," she said.

Against all odds, Manya shines

Manya S Poojary, a student of SDPT PU College, Mandarthi, in Udupi, has performed well in commerce stream, scoring 571 marks in the II PUC exams. Her journey, however, was anything but easy.

Eight years ago, Manya lost her father Shekhar Poojary. Since then, her mother Vinodha Poojary , a daily wage labourer at a cashew factory, single-handedly raised her two daughters, determined to give them a future built on education. The family hails from Heskutthuru village.

Manya did not opt for any private tuition. She relied entirely on the guidance of her college lecturers and her own dedication. She did her schooling in government schools. "Raising a family alone has not been easy. There were many struggles along the way, but my daughter's hard work has paid off. This is a proud moment for all of us," said Vinodha, beaming with pride.

Manya now dreams of pursuing chartered accountancy.