SIALKOT: A 16-year-old fruit vendor has made his ailing parents proud by obtaining second position in humanities group (boys) in the annual matriculation examination.

The boards of intermediate and secondary education in Punjab announced the results this past week.

A winner of a medal, Daska city’s Ali Hamza told a bevy of journalists that he burnt midnight oil to achieve this distinction and was thankful to the Higher Power. He said he would continue to vend fruits on a cart at Chungi No 8 to maintain his family and pursue higher education.

Hamza, who studied at the Government High School of Daska, said he believed in dignity of labour and the fruit business helped him feed his family and did not create hurdles in study.

“After getting my medal and prize, I came back straight to my cart and resumed day’s work,” said Hamza whose parents have medical issues and can’t work. “The prayers of my parents are always with me and I consider myself the richest person of the world,” he said.

Hamza wishes to become an engineer “to serve my country”. His family is elated and many people have visited his home and presented him sweetmeat and gifts.

To honour the star from backwaters, Ejaz Ahmed, senior headmaster of the school, announced that he would host a ceremony after the summer vacation.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2015

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