Stories of individuals who rise from the narrow lanes of small towns to dream big are always inspiring. The story of Alisha Rani from Barnala, Punjab, is one such example, where despite limited resources, her determination has taken her to an international platform.
Alisha Rani, a Class 12 non-medical student of Government Senior Secondary Smart School (Girls), Barnala, has been selected for the prestigious “Sakura Science High School Programme 2026” to be held in Japan. This is not just a selection, but the result of years of hard work and dedication.
This special science program, conducted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has selected only 56 students from across the country, out of which only three are from Punjab. It is a matter of great pride for Barnala district that one of those three students is Alisha Rani.
Along with her, the other selected students from Punjab are Anmolpreet Kaur from Shaheed Gurdas Ram Memorial Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Zira (Ferozepur), and Manmeet Singh from Government Senior Secondary School, Ghanauli (Ropar). They will travel to Japan for a one-week educational visit from May 24 to May 30.
Alisha’s achievement reflects her academic excellence and consistent performance. She cleared the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) exam in Class 8, securing the second position in the district, after which she has been receiving an annual scholarship of ₹12,000 from the government. She also made it to the merit list of the Punjab School Education Board in Class 8.
Notably, Alisha scored 97% marks in her Class 10 board exams. She credits her teachers, especially Pankaj Sir and Principal Vincy Jindal, for her success. They guided her at every step and even helped her prepare for the NMMS exam during winter vacations. Her dedication also earned her an opportunity to visit and experience Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s school in Gujarat.
Coming from a modest background, this opportunity is like a dream come true for Alisha. Her father Ashu Kumar and mother Rimpi Rani, who could not complete their own education and work as salespersons in private shops, feel immense pride in their daughter’s achievement. They say they have no words to express their happiness that their daughter will now travel to a country like Japan to learn advanced science.
Alisha herself expressed excitement about gaining exposure to global developments in science and technology through this program.
Barnala’s Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh and District Education Officer Sunitinder Singh have termed her selection a major achievement for the district. According to them, such international exposure will help students understand modern technology and scientific advancements. The education officer also highlighted that Alisha earlier studied in a private school but shifted to a government school in Class 8, reflecting the improving standards of government education.
Alisha also shared a message for students and parents, saying that the belief that government schools do not provide quality education is incorrect. In her view, government schools today are outperforming private institutions in many areas.
Her entire Japan visit is fully sponsored by the Government of India, covering travel, accommodation, and all related expenses.
To celebrate her achievement, the girls’ school in Barnala has even put up a hoarding (board) outside the school in her honor.
Alisha Rani’s journey proves that with strong determination and proper guidance, financial limitations cannot stop anyone from achieving success. Today, she stands as an inspiration for lakhs of students who aspire to achieve big despite limited means.
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