Riots put him to test, but he made his mark in class XII

It was then that the Swastik Institute at Relief Road came to his aid. ‘‘I went to the institute and filled up my examination form there. They contacted my school, Anand Vidyalaya, and arranged for my hall ticket,’’ says Younis.

That was just the first step. The difficult part was preparing for the exam without any books or notes. ‘‘I had not been able to study at all after the riots. The camp organisers arranged tutors who helped us study. My tutor, Shabnam aapa, encouraged me,’’ he says.

This is what Shabnam Mukhtyar Patel, has to say: ‘‘Though I had to start from scratch, I realised he had a sharp mind. Once I explained something, he wouldn’t forget it’’ Younis now wonders what to do in future. ‘‘I want to study further but I don’t think my family can afford it. I want to make my parents proud,’’ he says.