'Wish I Didn't Top': UP Topper Prachi Nigam's Emotional Message to the Trolls for Her Look

In the wake of achieving remarkable academic success, Prachi Nigam, the UP Board Class 10 topper with an astounding 98.50 percent, found herself thrust into an unwelcome spotlight. While she should have been celebrated for her intellectual prowess, instead, she became a target of online trolls fixated on her appearance rather than her academic merit. This troubling reaction to her success exposes a darker side of society’s values and the toxic environment that pervades social media.

In an interview with BBC News Hindi, Prachi shared a disheartening sentiment, noting that had she scored even slightly less, she might have escaped the brutal trolling and unwanted social media fame. “If I had scored just 1-2 marks less, I wouldn’t have gained this social media popularity and wouldn’t have faced such trolling for my appearance,” she remarked. This statement is a poignant reflection on how the joys of her remarkable achievement were overshadowed by superficial judgments.

Prachi’s experience is a stark illustration of how societal pressures and expectations can distort and diminish genuine accomplishments, especially for young women. The focus on her looks rather than her intellectual capabilities is a telling indictment of the prevailing societal attitudes towards women's success.

The online backlash against Prachi for reasons entirely unrelated to her achievements shows a distressing side of our society. Instead of receiving accolades and encouragement, Prachi was subjected to comments and ridicule about her physical appearance. This behavior not only undermines her accomplishments but also sends a troubling message to other young women about the conditional nature of societal acceptance and praise.

A user on social media summed it up painfully yet accurately, saying, “We failed as a society for her.” This encapsulates the collective responsibility we bear in nurturing a toxic culture that prioritizes appearance over accomplishment. The cruel comments Prachi faced highlight a broader issue - the relentless scrutiny and criticism women often endure, regardless of their successes.

Despite the harshness, there has been an outpouring of support for Prachi from various corners of the internet. Heartfelt messages commending her courage and resilience have flooded in, showcasing the better angels of our online communities. “It takes some next level courage to stand against this level of hate from the world. She’s way too strong for this,” commented one supporter, highlighting the strength Prachi has shown in facing undue criticism.

Encouraged by her mother, Mamta Nigam, to ignore the trolls, Prachi continues to focus on her future goals. Her aspiration to become an engineer remains undeterred, a testament to her resilience and determination. The support from her mother and positive responses from social media have helped her navigate through this tumultuous period.

Prachi Nigam's experience is a call to action for all of us to reflect on how we engage with achievements and the people behind them. It is crucial for society to celebrate successes based on merit and character rather than appearance. As we move forward, let us learn from Prachi’s ordeal and strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, where young minds are nurtured for their talents and aspirations, not diminished for their looks.

This incident serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that unwarranted criticism can have on individuals, particularly when they are at vulnerable stages of their development. Let us stand in solidarity with Prachi and countless others who face undue criticism, and let us work towards a society where success is met with unbridled joy and support, irrespective of gender or appearance.