Sushma Verma, prodigious 13-year-old daughter of a daily wage labourer, is pursuing a post-graduate degree in microbiology at Lucknow University. In an interview, Verma discussed the grind even geniuses undergo, taking class 10 exams when she was just seven years old — and why people should be judged by talent, not age.
When did it become clear you were academically gifted?
I’m told by my parents that I recited the Ramayana at a local podium when I was two years old. My brother Shailendra, himself a prodigy who cleared class 10 at the age of nine and the youngest computer science graduate, being 14 when he finished his BCA, realised I have a gift. He inspired me to read books. I got into a reading habit — I used to look for books all the time. I’d read my brother’s books too and understand these. My brother insisted Ii sit for the class 10 exam. So, I enrolled myself at St Miraz Inter College in Lucknow.
Teachers at Miraz helped me. I was given special coaching by teachers for class 9 exams to become eligible for class 10. I did have problems in sitting continuously for three hours and I was slow at answering questions — so I was taught how to manage time. When I became confident, I took the class 10 exam at the age of seven.
Why microbiology now?
I read about microbiology at BSc level and was curious about things like what happens when microbes get into the air, the ramifications, etc. So, I opted for it. Moreover, after my BSc, since I couldn’t sit for the medical exam, i didn’t want to waste time. I enrolled myself in MSc. I’ll do my PhD till I turn 17. I’ll then sit for the medical exam.
Despite your degrees, you couldn’t take the medical entrance exam because of your age — how did you feel?
Well, I sincerely feel there shouldn’t be any age limit to sit for any entrance exams. If a child has the potential, she or he should be given the opportunity to go for it. A person should always be judged by his or her talent and potential, not by age. I desperately wanted to become a doctor but now I have to wait till i turn 17 — it’s a huge disappointment for me.
Have there been other challenges you’ve faced?
As I belong to a poor family, there were many tough financial constraints — but more than that, my young age has been a major constraint in pursuing higher education. Getting permission to attend high school and seeking a seat for the medicals posed big problems.
I wanted to become a doctor but couldn’t sit for the exam because I was too young. The government never came to my rescue to pursue my dream. However, my family has always been supportive. My father is a daily wage labourer and my mother a housewife.
How do your accomplishments make you feel?
It’s a very good feeling — it’s God’s gift. But I firmly believe that every child has special qualities — it all depends how he or she is nurtured from a budding level. I owe my own success to my brother.
What are your hopes for the future?
I certainly plan to fulfil my ambition of becoming a doctor. I’m thankful that some groups are willing to fund my studies. Their initiative will help poor students like me nurture dreams, which sometimes get lost due to financial constraints.
Author: Pratigyan Das
Image courtesy: BCCL
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