Lucknow, 22 April (HS): Prachi Nigam, an adolescent from Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, achieved the top place in the state's Class 10 board examinations with an outstanding score of 98.5 per cent. However, her success was overshadowed by a surge of online bullying attacking her attractiveness.

Snide comments and plain sexist takes came Prachi Nigam’s way for sporting facial hair. Some trolls even tried to distorting the teenager’s photo to fit to traditional beauty standards. However, some weren't having it. Numerous social media users flocked to Prachi Nigam’s aid, criticizing the trolls and fighting back against arbitrary beauty standards put on young girls. Many people were concerned about the emotional impact of such hostility on a young kid.

They indicated her facial hair may be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of menstrual age. With the enormous outpouring of sympathy for Prachi Nigam, a powerful counter-narrative formed. X users opposed the trolls and claimed that her intellectual brilliance is what merits the limelight, not her beauty.

Who is Prachi Nigam? A student from Sita Bal Vidya Mandir Inter College, Sitapur, Prachi Nigam passed with flying colours in the UP Board Class 10 examinations with a score of 591 out of 600 points. Expressing astonishment and excitement, she added, I never believed I'd be the topper. I focused on studying but didn't expect the top rank. I'm proud of my hard work.

Prachi Nigam's tale is not just about academic success; it's a monument to her tenacity in the face of adversity. It also pushes home the need to honour academic achievements and demolish false beauty standards that compel young women to comply.

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi/Manoj