DAV Public School student Avi Singh topped the AFMC 

Amritsar, Sept. 12 (Punjab Post Bureau) –  Avi Singh (18) a student of DAV Public School topped the AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College) Test taken by thousands of candidates from the country, who apply for the prestigious college for medical services in the Defense forces. Avi is perhaps the first Amritsar boy to have topped this Test, claim his parents Dr Ravipal Singh an orthopedic and Dr Mandeep Kaur an eye specialist.

An overjoyed school Principal Mrs Neera Singh heartily congratulated Avi who has been a brilliant scorer throughout his schooling. Avi who is looking forward to being in the armed forces said “Eventhough the test gives you credit for being an NCC cadet, but I succeeded despite not being a cadet. Both my uncles are in the Air Force and I have been fascinated with the life in the defense forces. On my completion of five-years I would be ranked directly as a Captain in the Indian army which would be an honor for me.”

He further said –“I was ranked 91 in AIPMT and was also selected by one of the best medical colleges of  India- ‘Vardhman Mahavir Medical College’, Delhi attached with the Safdarjang Hospital Delhi, but my tilt was always towards having a career in the defense forces and serving my country.” He gives the credit of his success to his parents, his school principal who supported him in his endeavors and the blessings of his grandmother. Avi, an avid Chess, Badminton, Cricket player, also has a softer side to him. He writes poetry and is extremely fond of Urdu shairi and the Javed Akhtar’s (famous poet –lyricist ) programme on poetry. “ I write poetry when I am filled up and I want to take a break from my study,” he says.

About career choices, Avi says –“My parents were not averse to a career in some other stream than medical but I was keen to take on orthopedics. I feel one should follow ones heart in choosing one’s  journey.” On tips about study routines, he contends –“ I have not missed a single movie, or  a single  party with friends but have stuck to certain dos and don’ts. Which are- Give yourself small and achievable targets and concentrate on consistency. Too much study can  give you fatigue and a breakdown. I study less and concentrate on retention of information ”.

The poet in him says – “The playground is the same for anyone, each one has to do his own and personal journey, through the maze, to achieve his target according to his interest and skills .” Avi decried parents who set high standards for their children and said –“Parental pressure can actually damage the potential of a student. It can be a very vital reason for the fall of a student. I have seen many of my friends go below their mark when they are under pressure to perform ‘brilliantly’ by their parents or others”.