Aparna Das/Guwahati

Wahida Begum Tapadar and Nahin Parveen, who jointly secured first place in the 2026 B.Com examinations of Nagaland University, have overcome formidable personal and financial challenges to emerge as inspirations for young students.

While Waheeda battled the emotional strain of her father's prolonged illness, Nahin kept his academic dreams alive by financing his education through private tuition despite severe financial hardship.

Though they come from different states, both pursued their higher education in Nagaland. In an exclusive interview with Awaz-The Voice, they spoke about their struggles, achievements, and aspirations.

Waheeda Begum Tapadar, originally from Karimganj in Assam but raised in Dimapur, topped the B.Com (Hons) examination. She completed her schooling at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, her higher secondary education at Christian Higher Secondary School, and enrolled in B.Com (Hons) at MGM College. Under the new FYUGP system, she completed her seventh and eighth semesters at Public College, Dimapur, from where she achieved the distinction.

Her greatest challenge came at the beginning of the semester when her father was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). She had to accompany him to Chennai, Kolkata, and other cities for treatment, forcing her to miss nearly two months of classes. Yet, she refused to let the setback derail her studies.

Recalling those difficult days, Waheeda said, "My father fell very ill at the beginning of the semester. I could not go to college for about two months. But I did not break down. When I returned to college, the teachers guided me separately, and the support of my family gave me the courage to move forward."

For Waheeda, understanding concepts is more important than memorising them.

"I don't read by rote, I read by understanding the subject. Once I understand it well, I remember it for a long time. That's why it's easier to write answers in your own language in exams," she said.

She credits her success to the constant support of her teachers and family, as well as the effective use of technology. Although she missed practical classes, she compensated by learning through YouTube. Earlier, she had earned a merit scholarship after scoring 91 percent in her higher secondary examination. She now plans to pursue a B.Ed. while taking up a job.

Commenting on commerce education in the state, she said, "The quality of commerce education in Nagaland has improved compared to before. However, more emphasis needs to be placed on industry linkages, internships, research and digital skills."

On women's education, she added, "When a woman is educated, she becomes self-reliant and can stand up for her rights. Education is the greatest strength of a woman."

Nahin Parveen also secured first place in the 2026 B.Com (Hons and Research) examination of Nagaland University. A native of Ripura village in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, he too grew up in Dimapur. He studied at Assembly of God Higher Secondary School, completed his higher secondary education at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, and graduated in B.Com from Public College, Dimapur.

Financial hardship was the biggest obstacle in his academic journey. After his father's business collapsed, Nahin supported the family by giving private tuition while pursuing his studies. His days were divided between college, teaching students in the evening, and studying late into the night.

Explaining what motivated him, Nahin said, "I want to one day restore my father's lost business. That dream inspired me to study commerce and do better."

His determination was tested again when he fell seriously ill during the sixth semester. Even then, he had to balance his own examination preparation with coaching his tuition students. Throughout that period, his parents remained his strongest support.

"My mother was also ill. Still, she took all the responsibilities of the family on her shoulders so that I could focus only on my studies. This success is as much mine as it is my parents'," he said.

Describing his reaction after learning that he had topped the university, Nahin said, "I thought I might get a place on the merit list, but I never thought that I would be ranked first. Seeing the tears of joy in my parents' eyes made me feel that all my hard work was worthwhile."

He said his decision to study commerce was driven by his dream of rebuilding his father's lost business. After completing an MBA, he hopes to become a successful entrepreneur and revive the family enterprise.

His advice to students is simple: "Value time, don't compare yourself with others. Regular study, revision, and a humble attitude will one day take you to the peak of success."

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Coming from different parts of India and making Nagaland their educational home, Waheeda Begum Tapadar and Nahin Parveen have demonstrated that adversity need not define one's future. Their journeys underscore the power of perseverance, family support, and dedication to education. Their achievement goes beyond securing the top rank—it stands as a testament to resilience and serves as an inspiration for the next generation.