Kharwastan matric pupils balance faith and academics for success
Faith, family, and focus
Kanhaiya Das Singh “My greatest motivation this year came from Lord Krishna’s words in the Bhagavad Gita: ‘Whatever you do, do it as an offering to Me’”
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WITH the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams in full swing, Kharwastan Secondary's matric pupils said faith, family support, and determination was guiding them through their final academic hurdles.
They said they felt confident after months of preparation, countless study sessions, and late-night revision. For many of the pupils, the school journey has been as much about faith and resilience as it has been about academics.
“My greatest motivation this year came from Lord Krishna’s words in the Bhagavad Gita: ‘Whatever you do, do it as an offering to Me',” shared Kanhaiya Das Singh.
“I strived to study diligently to offer Him my sincere effort.”
Spiritual grounding was a recurring theme among this year’s matric pupils, reflecting the school’s strong values and sense of discipline.
Thavashan Pillay His drive came from “the example set by my parents — to never give up and to always give my absolute best,” while also crediting his faith for keeping him “focused and grounded.”
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Thavashan Pillay said his drive came from “the example set by my parents - to never give up and to always give my absolute best”.
He also credits his faith for keeping him “focused and grounded”.
Balancing nerves with determination, he described the start of the exams last Tuesday as “a mix of excitement and anticipation.
“But I’m ready to give it my all. This is the final sprint after a long journey.”
He hopes to study mechatronics or mechanical engineering in Cape Town next year.
“I am passionate about technology and its power to inspire innovation. I want to design advanced prosthetics that change lives.”
For others, the unwavering encouragement of loved ones has made all the difference to their confidence.
Arianna Naidoo “My biggest motivation this year has been my family and closest friends”
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“My biggest motivation this year has been my family and closest friends,” said Arianna Vivekka Naidoo.
“They celebrated every achievement, forced me to take breaks when I needed them, and reminded me to keep going when things felt tough. Their love and care encouraged me to strive to do well.”
Sohalia Budhoo “Behind every successful student are educators who believed in them first.”
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Sohalia Budhoo said teamwork between pupils and teachers defined her matric experience.
“Behind every successful pupil is a teacher who believed in them first,” she said.
“My teachers have certainly been the fireflies of my matric year - bestowing knowledge and light, and motivating me to live up to my potential. Matric can be dauntingly overwhelming. However, the first step towards success is the realization that it’s not impossible.”
Suryan Pather Approaching the final exams meant finding balance between focus and faith. “Staying prayerful and connected with family and friends keeps me grounded.”
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For Suryan Pather, approaching the final exams meant finding balance between focus and faith.
“I am feeling a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. But I remind myself that each exam is a stepping stone to my future. Staying prayerful and connected with family and friends keeps me grounded.”
Jeremiah Aaron Reddy “I feel both motivated and grateful — trusting that ‘HE’ (God) who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it."
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Meanwhile, Jeremiah Aaron Reddy likened the finals to “an athlete’s final stride,” determined to finish strong.
“I feel both motivated and grateful - trusting that ‘HE’ (God) who began the good work in me will be faithful until I complete this task,” he said.
He said he looked forward to tackling the math's and accounting papers.
“They both add up for me! Once the exams are done, I am looking forward to rest, some good food, and maybe a Marvel marathon.”
Eumelia Naidoo “I feel a deep sense of gratitude to my unwavering supporters and to the school that nurtured my journey.”
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For Eumelia Naidoo the final exams marked the culmination of a 13-year adventure which she said had left her “with a symphony of emotions”.
“I feel a deep sense of gratitude to my unwavering supporters and to the school that nurtured my journey.”
As Kharwastan Secondary’s pupils take on this defining milestone, their words echo the values of hard work, humility, and hope that continue to shape the community.