RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
No matter how hectic the workload became, Akhilesh Maharaj always made time for football.
For the Shiva Boys’ Hindu College student, a lunchtime game with friends was more than a break from studying; it was part of the balance that helped him navigate two demanding years preparing for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
As he celebrates earning eight Grade Ones, seven of them with As in the profile, Maharaj is holding firmly to another lesson that has guided him throughout his life – remain humble.
Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Maharaj said: “My parents always used to teach me to be humble. I believe that when you’re humble, you would achieve much greater things.”
Maharaj placed second on the regional merit list in Physical Education and Sport, adding to his success in Biochemistry, Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies.
However, he said he never set out expecting extraordinary results.
“I never expected anything great, but I got incredible grades,” he said.
His achievement, he said, was built on discipline rather than a rigid study timetable.
Unlike students who followed strict daily schedules, Maharaj said he focused on completing the work he had before him.
“Whenever I realised that exams were coming closer, I just did all that I could every single day until the exams were over,” he said.
During the most demanding periods, he said he sometimes studied for as many as nine hours a day.
But even then, he said, football remained part of his routine.
“No matter how busy we were and no matter how much work we had, we always used to find time for just one last game of football or cricket before the bell rang,” he said.
The game was usually played during lunchtime, with even recess providing an opportunity for a quick match.
Maharaj said he also participated in the Environmental Club, Math and Science Club, Interact and the Chess and Board Games Club.
He also took part in debates, including the National Energy Debate and Model United Nations.
Chess, he said, taught him to think strategically and deeply, skills that also helped him academically.
Maharaj credits his success to the supportive environment at Shiva Boys’, describing his school journey as “very enjoyable” and saying teachers genuinely worked to help students achieve their best.
He said he was also inspired by the accomplishments of past students and the school’s strong academic tradition.
At home, his mother, Pooniah Maharaj, acting principal of Suchit Trace Hindu School, and his father, Anand Maharaj, a teacher at Shiva Boys’ Hindu College and a pundit, were major influences.
He said his grandmother, Chamadiah Ramdath-Maharaj, and extended family, including his uncles, aunts and cousins, also played important roles.
His older brother, Anish Maharaj, he said, provided another source of inspiration.
Maharaj said Anish was a past Shiva Boys’ student, recipient of a national bursary and is now a third-year medical student at The University of the West Indies.
Maharaj also acknowledged the influence of former principals Dexter Sakal and Devinesh Neeranjan, as well as current principal Indira Shukla.
Being the son of a pundit, he said, also shaped his outlook on life.
“My dad has always given me good life advice and life lessons, and it really teaches me good principles and values and a good way to live life,” he said. “I try to apply that every day.”
Maharaj said he now hopes to study law at The University of the West Indies.
Beyond his academic ambitions, he said he intends to remain active in football, spend time with friends and become more involved in his temple and community.
Asked what advice he can give to other students, Maharaj said: “Believe in yourselves, have faith in God, remain disciplined and consistent, and above all, stay humble.”
