Sushma Verma has always been filled with a deep sense of wonder at how life exists beyond what the naked eye recognises. This prompted her to take up microbiology for her post-graduation from the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in Lucknow.
Her scorecard shows a first rank in her first, second and fourth semesters. She has now enrolled in a PhD course. And Sushma is all of 15 years!
When she was just two-and-a-half years old, Sushma recited Ramayana 'chaupayis' at a local function. She considers that the first proud moment of her life.
Born in the outskirts of Lucknow, Sushma's father was a daily-wage labourer, and mother, a homemaker. "Our home comprised of a single room with a leaking ceiling. The main thought in my mind then was that all I have are my brother's books. So I have to study with his support." She was not even three years old then!
When she was five years old, looking at her prodigious memory and skills, Sushma's family suggested she take the Board exam. Finally, she enrolled at St Meera's Inter College in Lucknow, in class 9. "When we submitted my application form, the principal thought there had been some mistake, that my application was for nursery," laughs Sushma. She had to take a test which covered the entire syllabus from class 1 to 8 to check if she was eligible for class 9. She was.
The first few days in school left her tired. It was a task explaining to her classmates that she had not entered the class by mistake or that she didn't study 20 hours a day.
In June 2007, Sushma created history. Limca Book of Records recognised her as the youngest student, aged 7 years, 3 months and 28 days, to pass the class 10 Board exam in the country. "At the time, I didn't even understand the significance of Board exams. This was only the second time in my entire life that I was taking an exam!"
She was also the subject of a documentary film by a Japanese television channel. "It was a matter of great pride. We thought, why would they want to film us of all the people in the city," she says.
Sushma went on to graduate in Botany from Lucknow University at the age of 13, and finished her MSc at 15. However, she doesn't think of this as a feat. "Most people think that only after the child turns 5-6 should s/he be taught to read and write. But it's important to pay attention to what he or she learns even before that."
What makes her achievements special is that her father was appointed as a sanitation assistant at the same university she graduated from. Besides, just by being around the Verma siblings while they study, her mother today can read basic Hindi and English.
What does the future hold for Sushma? "It's impossible to know ki hum life mein kya banenge. Maybe my life will take a new turn."
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