'Caution - No Sympathy': Anamta Ahmed, Who Lost Her Right Arm At Age 13, Scores 92% In ICSE Boards 2024

Anamta Ahmed, a resident of Mumbai¡¯s Goregaon West, endured a life-altering accident in Class 9, resulting in the loss of her right arm. Since that challenging day to the present moment, where she has achieved an outstanding 92% in the ICSE Class 10 Boards, her journey has been nothing less than extraordinary, marked by perseverance and resilience.

A fateful day in 2022

Anamta Ahmed/ BCCL

In 2022, Anamta Ahmed was a young, carefree 13-year-old.

During a visit to her aunt¡¯s house in Aligarh with her father, she was playing with her cousins on the terrace.

Little did she know that on that fateful day, October 30, 2022, her life would change drastically.

She accidentally touched a high-tension overhead wire, resulting in severe third-degree burns. Due to her critical condition, her family decided to fly her to Mumbai¡¯s National Burns Center (NBC) the following day.

There, her right arm (below the elbow) was amputated on November 3, and her left arm was left with only about 20% functionality.

She spent over 50 days bedridden, enduring extreme trauma. Despite the challenges, she eventually recovered and began rebuilding her life.

Anamta scores an impressive 92%

Results

On May 6, 2024, the CICSE results were announced, revealing Anamta's outstanding achievement. She secured an impressive 92% in her Class 10 exams, making her school proud by also attaining the highest score in Hindi with a remarkable 98%.

Principal Mansi Deepak Gupta praised Anamta's remarkable resilience, saying : "She was always a bright student but with what she had gone through, anyone could have slid into severe depression. Despite her bodily pain, it was her positivity that pulled her through."

But, how did she go about achieving this at all?

Also read: Chandigarh Girl Who Lost Her Sight In Acid Attack Becomes School Topper In CBSE Class 10 Exam

How did Anamta raise above the odds and achieve success in ICSE Class 10?

After the accident, Anamta¡¯s doctors suggested she take a break from her studies but she adamantly refused, fueled by her desire to keep moving forward. Supported by her school's encouragement, she embarked on a remarkable journey of overcoming obstacles.

Speaking to TOI, Anamta recounts her journey.

Anamta Ahmed/ BCCL

Upon returning from the hospital, her first priority was to regain full functionality in her left arm. With determination and the guidance of doctors and online resources, she diligently worked on exercises to strengthen it.

However, mastering writing with her non-dominant hand presented a daunting challenge. Despite initial difficulties, she persevered, spending months honing her skills until she could manage.

Also read: '10-15 Hours Self-Study Every Day': JEE Main 2024 Topper Nilkrishna Gajare's Preparation Strategy

Even then, her teachers insisted on providing a writer during exams to ensure she didn't compromise on speed.

Unsplash

But the physical aspect was just one part of it - the mental aspect was equally challenging, if not more. Anamta says, "I had to come out of the trauma as I¡¯m an only child, and had made up my mind to not allow this tragedy to overpower me."

Witnessing other patients' severe injuries during her hospital stay gave her perspective, reminding her of the preciousness of life.

"In hospital, I saw terrible burn injury cases and I consider myself lucky that I am alive¡­," Anamta says.

Refusing to succumb to self-pity, she made a conscious decision not to let the tragedy define her. "After coming home, I pasted a note on my door: ¡®Caution ¡ª No sympathy¡¯," she added.

Throughout her journey, Anamta's father, Aqeel Ahmed, stood by her side, offering unwavering support.

"...Anamta is my life and no one can imagine what I went through, watching my only child writhing in pain on a hospital bed where doctors gave up hope of recovery. She is a gifted girl who has shown she has nerves of steel," says Aqeel.

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