Tuesday 24 / June / 2025
Muscat: An Indian mother’s open letter in which she says she is ‘super proud’ of her boy scoring 60 percent in his class X board exams has gone viral.
In the letter, Vandana Sufia Katoch tells her son Aamer that marks weren’t all that mattered. What was more important was the course people took for themselves in life.
At the time of writing, that letter, which was written on Facebook, has received nearly 9,800 reactions, 1,300 comments and 5,600 shares.
“Super proud of my boy who scored a 60% in Class 10 board exams,” said Vandana. “Yes it is not a 90, but that doesn't change how I feel. Simply because I have seen him struggle with certain subjects almost to the point of giving up, and then deciding to give his all in the last month-and-a-half to finally make it through!
She added: “Here's to you, Aamer. And others like you - fishes asked to climb trees. Chart your own course in the big, wide ocean, my love. And keep your innate goodness, curiosity and wisdom alive. And of course, your wicked sense of humour!”
Her letter seems to have struck a chord with many parents and students who often felt the same way: the pressure to do exceedingly well in the Indian education system can take its toll on many families, particularly those who place such an overwhelming emphasis on the marks their children score in their school exams.
“Thanks for encouraging others who have scored below 70. Super mom,” said Sourav Bhattacharjee.
Nikhil Mishra added, “A lot of schools and parents need to take note of this. Respect to you ma'am.”
“Good parenting,” chipped in Pallabi Nath. “May every mother be like you. And your son is lucky.”
Ravi Teja added: “60% is not at all a low marks it's high marks. I believe a son of mother like you with broad mind would be intelligent one day he will make you proud. Keep it up.”
Chiranjeet Kanenite said: “The world needs moms like U... That’s a super lucky kid u got there... And he will do great things in life just coz he has a SUPER MOM...”
In a subsequent post, Vandana said she never expected her response to positively affect so many people.
"Didn't realise that the post will go this far. But glad that it has. Let's keep the conversation going, and help shift the needle," she wrote.
She also thanked all those who had taken the time to comment on her original post.
"Want to reply to each message on the post individually but it will take a long, long time," said Vandana. "So anyone reading this, thank you for reaching out with so much love and support for my boy and me. This is for all of us. And those sending friend requests, thank you too."
