Guwahati, August 2025 – In a year overshadowed by turmoil in her home state, 10-year-old Leimarenbi Thokchom has emerged as a symbol of determination and hope. Hailing from Imphal East, Manipur, a region still grappling with ethnic conflict that began on May 3, 2023, she has overcome displacement, cultural change, and an entirely new education system to excel in Assamese—a subject she only began studying five months ago.
A Journey Marked by Displacement and Change
Until early this year, Leimarenbi was living in Manipur, where the ongoing unrest had severely disrupted schools and academic schedules. The ethnic conflict had left countless children without stable learning environments. When her family moved to Guwahati, it was not just a change of place but of language, community, and way of life.
Enrolling at St Francis D’Assisi Senior Secondary School, Boragaon, in April 2025 meant starting afresh. In Manipur, Assamese was completely unfamiliar to her—it used a different script, sounded entirely new, and had its own set of grammatical rules. Most children take years to feel confident in a new language. Leimarenbi had only months.
Learning a New Language from Scratch
With the academic year already underway, Leimarenbi entered the classroom as both the “new student” and the one who could not yet read or write in the local language. But instead of letting that intimidate her, she approached the challenge with quiet determination.
Under the patient guidance of her Assamese lecturer, Sanjeev Sir, she learned not just the script but also pronunciation, comprehension, and writing skills. The Vice Principal, Sister Rishi, ensured she received personal encouragement and tailored support, while her class teacher, Mrs. Moon Biswas, created a welcoming environment that helped her blend into the Assamese-speaking community of her classmates.
By August 2025, only five months after first encountering the language, Leimarenbi sat for her periodic exam. The result was astounding—33 out of 40 in Assamese, a score that would be commendable even for students born into the language.
Global Star Award Winner
Leimarenbi Thokchom, daughter of Prof. Dr. Thokchom Chandramani Singh and Dr. Waikhom Sanjita Devi, has won the Global Star Award in Education for her remarkable achievement in Assamese despite hailing from a conflict zone. She scored 33 out of 40 in Assamese, a language new to her.
Support at Home, Pride in the Family
Leimarenbi’s parents, both accomplished professionals, have been pillars of strength in her journey. Her father, Prof. Dr. Thokchom Chandramani Singh, serves as Dean of the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research at Manipur International University. Her mother, Dr. Waikhom Sanjita Devi, is a Senior Clinical Professional at Apollo Excelcare Hospital in Guwahati.
Though they are no strangers to academic excellence, they are deeply moved by their daughter’s ability to adapt to a new educational environment so quickly. “She has shown us that strength is not just in enduring hardships but in using them as motivation to achieve something greater,” her mother said with pride.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For many children from conflict zones, the sudden transition to a new home and language can lead to isolation, loss of confidence, and falling behind in studies. Leimarenbi’s achievement breaks that stereotype. Her story reflects the reality that with consistent support—both at school and at home—children can rise far above the limitations imposed by their circumstances.
In just a few months, she has gone from a child unsure of a single Assamese word to a young student who can not only read and write but score high in exams. Her success is a testament to her mental resilience, willingness to learn, and the power of an encouraging learning environment.
A Beacon of Hope for Other Children
Leimarenbi’s journey is more than just a personal triumph—it is an inspiration for thousands of children whose education has been interrupted by conflict. She shows that it is possible to adapt, excel, and even shine brightly in unfamiliar circumstances. Her teachers call her a “quiet fighter,” one who doesn’t boast about her achievements but lets her results speak for themselves.
As she continues her studies in Guwahati, her story will remain a reminder that language is not just a subject in a textbook—it is a bridge to new opportunities, friendships, and futures. For a girl who arrived in Assam just five months ago, that bridge has already been crossed with remarkable grace and determination.
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