Tinsukia, June 3: The matric results have brought cheer to thousands of examinees. But the success trajectory of Manash Jyoti Gogoi, who wants to be an army officer, is inspiringly different.

Manash, who secured 69 per cent marks in the exam without any parental or financial support, has been managing all fronts - right from earning his livelihood to pursuing his education, doing household chores to following his passion for football - all by himself for the past several years.

"I want to join the army. But I don't know the way ahead. I will complete my Plus Two exams from Dhaman Higher Secondary School. After that I will sit for the entrance exams of the National Defence Academy," Manash, a resident of Dhaman village under Tingkhong constituency in Dibrugarh district, said. "I am a little worried as I do not have any resources," he added.

Manash's struggle started when he was six. His mother deserted the family. His father left home too, leaving Manash and his two elder sisters to fend for themselves. While his sisters moved to another house in the same village and later married, Manash clung on to his depleted hearth.

Haren Dekabaruah, a senior teacher of Dhaman Higher Secondary School, said, "Manash's struggle, right from his childhood, is no ordinary one. At a time when teenagers focus on their ambition with their families' support, Manash has been struggling hard on his own to continue his education and earn his livelihood as well. Recently, he started growing tea leaves on one katha in his backyard to fund his education. He has been plucking almost 25 kg of leaves every Sunday as he has to attend school for the rest of the week."

Manash's hardship and success story have inspired the school authorities to fund his education and other needs for the next two years.

During the winter, Manash, cooks all three meals before going to school so that he can attend football practice session in the afternoon. His unique story is inspiring the youth in Assam to work hard and achieve their goals in life.