Criticism was never restricted to someone who isn’t trying to give their best. Sometimes, the ones dedicated towards their goal also get to hear many comments and questions. This is something many face when they aspire to achieve their goals. A similar question was asked to JEE Advanced rank holder Namya Baranwal, when she was preparing for one of India’s toughest competitive exams. However, instead of feeling disheartened with the criticism, the AIR 350 gave a creative reply to everyone who asked her “kitna padhegi?” The young girl’s response was delivered confidently, and was even humorous. It is something every child needs to hear and take a lesson from.
26 May 2026 | 14:25
What’s the one parenting advice you completely disagree with?

The rankholder’s ‘poetic’ response:
“Log bolte hain na, kitna padhegi?(you know when they say, how much will you study?)Toh bhyi main itna padhungi ki meri aankein sooj jae(I’ll study so much that my eyes get tired and swollen,)depression bhi mujhe dekh kar chhat se kood jaaye,(that even depression itself gets scared seeing me and jumps off the roof,)night lamp jalte-jalte mujhse oob jaaye,(the night lamp gets bored of staying on for me,)aur meri life ke saare problems sab isi se bujh jaaye.(and all the problems in my life fade away because of this.)Kyunki vo kya hai na, padhai mein mujhe mann lagta hai.(Because the thing is, I genuinely enjoy studying.)PCM mujhe dhyaan lagta hai, competition mujhe fun lagta hai,PCM is something I can focus on, I find competitions fun,)aur jitne marks aa jaayein, mujhe woh bhi kam lagte hain.(and no matter how many marks I get, I still feel I can do better.)Lekin haan, kam marks aaye toh dil chhota mat karna,(but yes, if you get fewer marks, don’t lose heart,)aur zyada aa jaaye toh ghamand bhi mat karna.(and if you get more marks, don’t become arrogant.)Dosti yaari bhi in kitaabon se hi karna hai(friendship too has to be with these books,)kyunki mushkilon mein khud ko khud hi sanwarna hai(because in difficult times, you have to learn to handle yourself.)Aur agar kabhi khud par doubt ho future aspirants,(and if you ever doubt yourself, future aspirants,)toh yaad rakhna: boond boond se sagar bharta hai.(remember: every drop eventually fills the ocean.)Upar wala sab sahi karta hai.(God has a way of making things right.)Mehnat ka phal milta hai bhai,(hard work always pays off,)kyunki keechad mein hi kamal khilta hai.(because a lotus blooms only in the mud.)”
Why every child needs to hear this
Namya’s response is more than a witty answer to a common question. Her words carry a lesson many children can benefit from when they are suffering from academic pressure, comparison, and self-doubt. Her words show the importance of enjoying the process. She reminds students that marks should not determine their self-worth. Namya doesn’t idolise obsession over marks. Instead, the poem gives a glimpse of her own journey which she enjoyed, and yet achieved success. Her message also encourages resilience. By saying that every drop fills the ocean, she highlights the value of small, consistent efforts. And finally, Namya’s words promote self-belief and personal responsibility. Namya’ video left many smiling, especially her mother, who appeared proud of the confidence and clarity in her daughter’s words. The internet also appreciated how the young achiever turned a simple question into a message about discipline, humility, and self-belief.