My Father Is a Shining Example of Why Marks Don’t Matter

Focus on real life issues.

Marks don’t matter, they really don’t. I have taken a lesson from my father’s experience.  

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

Marks don’t matter, they really don't. I have taken a lesson from my father’s experience.

My father was born in a village near Baghpat. His parents were illiterate, poor and so was the rest of the extended family. Despite the odds, my father, Mr Vinod Kumar, became a doctor. He studied in a primary school, passed Class 10 and 12 from a UP Board school.

He didn't get good, or I should say great marks by today’s standards. He didn’t achieve a first division in either of the classes. His strategy from a young age was to focus on real life cases rather than on those we read of in our books.

For example, during his Bachelors degree in veterinary science, he focused on real life cases on how to treat cows. He was even conferred with an award from the Uttar Pradesh government for his commendable research on cross-breeding. So, whether you are a Science, Commerce, or Arts student, focus on the real questions and solve them practically instead of focusing on books alone.

My main takeaway is to remember that exams are only a part of life, our life doesn’t depend on them. So eliminate tension and celebrate.