- 29 May, 2025
Berhampur, Odisha, May 27, 2025: Srujan Kumar Barma, a student of DePaul School, Berhampur, topped the 2025 ICSE Class X examinations in the state of Odisha with an outstanding score of 99.40%. He was felicitated for his achievement by His Excellency, the Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, during a special ceremony held on Monday at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
In a brief conversation with Catholic Connect, Rev. Fr. Ricardo Pradhan expressed his joy and pride in his student's achievement. He also spoke about the school’s consistent academic track record and shared valuable advice for students preparing for board exams next year.
Excerpts from the interaction:
Q: How does it feel, as the principal of De Paul School, to see a student from your institution achieves such a distinction and is felicitated by The Governor of Odisha?
It truly feels wonderful. First and foremost, I would like to commend the hard work, dedication, and diligent pedagogy of the candidate Srujan Kumar Barma himself. His achievement is a testament to his perseverance and intelligence.
I also extend my gratitude to the leadership of our institution, the unwavering hard work of our faculty members, and the supportive parents who truly encourage us in our pursuit of academic excellence. In particular, I want to highlight the role of the student’s own parents, who have been remarkable mentors in his journey.
It is the specific hard work and intelligence of the candidate, yet teamwork also contributes. That is how I would like to see this achievement.
Moreover, this recognition holds special significance for us. Since the establishment of our school in 1987, this is the first time that the The Governor of Odisha has officially acknowledged the ICSE board toppers. Each of the recognised students was awarded ₹5,000 as a token of encouragement, which makes this occasion even more memorable.
Q: Is this the first time that a student from your school has topped the state in ICSE examinations?
No, not at all. Our school has had a history of academic excellence. In fact, in 2022, one of our students who appeared for the Class 12 ICSE exams not only topped the state but also secured the third rank at the national level.
Additionally, apart from Srujam Kumar, who scored 99.40% in this Year's Class X exams, another student from our school also achieved this score in 2019.
Notably, the ICSE board offers an app that provides detailed comparison tables, categorized by subject, school, and at the national level. According to this app, apart from Hindi, our students secured the highest percentages in English, Chemistry, all Science subjects, Computer Science, and Mathematics in this year’s ICSE Class X exams and ISC (+2 Science). Once again, this year, our school has distinguished itself at the national level with exceptional academic performance.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about the student, Srujam Kumar Barma?
Srujam Kumar Barma is a remarkable student who comes from a nurturing and academically inclined family. His father, Dr. Saroj Kumar Barma, is a Doctor and serves as an associate professor of paediatrics at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sundergarh. His mother, Mrs. Kumari Renuka holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Degree. Both parents have been deeply supportive of his educational journey.
Srujam is known for his gentle and humble nature. He is hard-working, value-oriented, and deeply respectful. Simplicity and humility are core traits of his personality. He served as the Student Representative (S.P.R.) of his class in Class 9 — a role that reflects the leadership qualities we observed in him.
Beyond academics, he has consistently demonstrated involvement in school activities, showcasing both initiative and responsibility.
Q: Are you aware of which stream he intends to pursue in higher secondary?
Yes, Srujam Barma has already taken admission in our own college here, in the Class 11 Science stream. He has some dreams and ambitions. His parents had reached out to me for some guidance regarding his future path.
I told them, "There are many opportunities available, but ultimately, the decision is yours. However, having taught both here and abroad, including in the Solomon Islands, I advise you to allow Srujan to complete his formal education in the Science stream or whatever stream he wishes to pursue first and then explore the wide range of opportunities that would follow."
I encouraged them in that direction.
Based on their independent reflection and aspirations, they have enrolled him in the Science stream, and I am confident he will continue to excel.
Q: How did the rest of the students from your school perform this year?
A total of 223 students from our school appeared for the ICSE Class X exams this year, and all of them passed with a 100% pass rate. In ISC (+2 Science), A total of 99 students appeared, resulting in a 100% pass rate. Since I took over as principal in 2022, we have consistently maintained a 100% pass rate, which speaks volumes about the dedication of our teachers and the hard work of our students.
Q: What message would you like to convey to students who will be appearing for the exams next year?
My message to them would be this: cultivate a sense of hard work and dedication. In today’s world, numerous distractions exist, primarily due to ongoing cultural changes and technological advancements. Students must remain focused and guard themselves against these distractions.
Success requires concentration, consistent effort, and discipline. Most importantly, I urge them to dream big. In the journey of human potential, there is no word called "impossible." With the right mindset and perseverance, they can achieve their dreams and even surpass them. A positive attitude, clear vision, and unwavering effort are key.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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