The Maharashtra state board of secondary and higher secondary education has a big heart. Ask 18-year-old Priyanka Mishra.

The higher secondary certificate (HSC) student missed her mathematics practical board examination on February 13 when she was hospitalised due to a condition in which two of the heart’s valves weren’t opening fully, restricting the flow of blood through her heart. But, Mishra has been given a second chance, thanks to a magnanimous state board.

It has allowed her to re-appear for her practical examination on March 31 and has even made exclusive arrangements for her at a Parel centre.

Doctors had advised her complete bedrest. “She was extremely weak and it did not seem possible that she would be able to sit her examinations this year. I told her that her life was more important than examinations,” said her mother.

But the commerce stream student of Sanpada College of Commerce and Technology was not convinced; she did not want to “waste” a year. She credits her father, who died two years ago, for keeping her motivated.

“My father taught me to chase my dreams. His words ‘Never admit defeat’ encouraged me to attempt the examinations. I do not want to push back my dreams by even a year. I studied slowly but regularly and decided to give my examinations,” she said.

And her friends and college teachers were right by her side. “My friends helped me prepare for the examinations. They told me that they believed that I can do it. My college authorities co-operated and spoke to the state board authorities,” she added.

RR Bhise, divisional secretary of the state board, said, “She missed out on her practical examination because of her medical condition. We decided to help her save her year. We have asked a centre at Parel to conduct a practical examination especially for her.”