KATHMANDU, July 3: A brick kiln covered in dust. A hut for a home. A heavy load on her head. And a dream of becoming a doctor in her heart. This isn’t the plot of a movie — it’s the life of Goma Shrestha from Bhaktapur. Battling through hardship, she won everyone’s hearts by scoring a 4.0 GPA in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) exams.
It’s been over a week since the SEE results were published, but Goma's story is still being talked about. Her story has drawn even more attention than those of students who topped the board in the past. She has become a shining example that dedication matters more than privilege when it comes to education. Goma, now a source of inspiration for many, has revealed that she aspires to become a doctor in the future.
Min Bahadur Gurung, chairperson of the Bhat-Bhateni Group, and his wife have pledged to support Goma's education up to the MBBS level. Known for their philanthropic work as well, the Gurung couple made this commitment after Goma’s story about her education and struggles was highlighted in the media.
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On Thursday, Goma was invited to the Bhat-Bhateni office, where Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung and his wife, Sabitri Gurung, honored her with a cash prize of Rs 100,000, a laptop, and a letter of appreciation. Gurung also pledged to cover all her expenses for Grades 11 and 12 at St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar.
“The dream of becoming a doctor was always hidden deep in my heart,” Goma told Republica after being honored. “Today, that dream has found the right path.”
Thanking everyone who showed her love and support, Goma said she will always keep moving forward on the path of struggle. “What I’ve learned is that if you move forward without losing courage, obstacles eventually clear. And now, on that very path of courage, I’ve found many helping hands.”
When the results of the SEE 2081 BS were published last Friday, Goma Shrestha had just returned from helping local farmers plant paddy in a seasonal paddy event. She lives in a tin-roofed hut at a brick kiln in Sudal, Changunarayan Municipality-8, Bhaktapur. A student of Mahendra Gram Secondary School in the same area, Goma started searching for her result after hearing the news that the SEE results had been announced. When she finally saw it, she had passed with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Despite studying at a community school, Goma scored a perfect 4.0 GPA and became one of the top 30 students in Bhaktapur. She also secured the highest score among all students in Changunarayan Municipality. Her story of hard work and success has touched many hearts. She went viral on social media, and several organizations have already honored her for her achievement.
Goma’s ancestral home is in Khaniyapani, Ramechhap. She moved to Bhaktapur with her parents when she was just four years old. Due to the family’s poor financial condition and Goma’s keen interest in education, they left Khaniyapani and settled in Sudal, Bhaktapur, according to her father, Min Bahadur Shrestha.
“I’m very happy to see the recognition my daughter is receiving from all sides,” he said. “It feels like our struggle has finally found the right path.”
Her story of struggle and success has once again filled social media. “Goma’s story is not just about one exam result — it’s a triumph of hard work, strong determination, and hope,” writes Prabhat Thapa on social media. “It represents the stories of thousands of Gomas in our society — those who manage to make their dreams blossom even amid the drought of opportunities.”