Prachi Nigam, UP Board topper shuts down trolls with her powerful statement

UP's Prachi Nigam is not just the topper of one of the largest states of the country, she is a young girl with high values and positive thoughts. When the Uttar Pradesh state board announced the results of board exam, Prachi Nigam's dream came true, but little did this young girl of 15 years old knew that she will be the victim of mindless trolling.

Prachi was trolled for her appearance!

In an exclusive interview with BBC, the teenager said: If I had obtained a few fewer marks, I would not have topped. Maybe that would have been better. I don't care much about the situation because I have been facing this for a long time. People see girls with hair and feel weird about it because they have not seen this before."

Hours after her picture emerged on social media, while many congratulated the teenager for topping the exam from among 55 lakh students, there was another section of individuals who trolled her for the way she looked.

"When people trolled her, I felt bad about it. Many people said bad things about her. We told Prachi not to let it weigh on her mind," her mother told the media.

Prachi, with a million dollar smile on her face, told the media outlet, "God has made me, I am okay with it. For those who feel there is a difference, it doesn't matter. Even Chanakya was trolled, and he did not care. Similarly, I also don't care and will focus on my studies."

Prachi's case is a reflection of what exists in several parts of the society. It is an example of how stereotypes are prevalent in our society. It is unfortunate to see that a young girl's achievement was shadowed by shallow opinions that don't even matter.

“My family, my teachers, my friends never criticised me for my appearance and I never bothered about it either. It was only when my photograph was published after the results that people started trolling me and then my attention was drawn to the problem. My aim is to become an engineer and what will ultimately matter are my marks and not the hair on my face,” she had told IANS earlier.

It is important to teach kids body positivity. Teaching kids body positivity involves fostering a healthy relationship with their bodies and promoting self-acceptance regardless of size, shape, or appearance. Encourage open conversations about body image, emphasizing that everyone is unique and worthy of love and respect. Focus on health and well-being rather than weight or appearance, promoting balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and self-care habits. Encourage positive self-talk and celebrate individual strengths and achievements. Lead by example by embracing your own body and avoiding negative comments about yourself or others.

To safeguard teenagers from online trolls, establish open communication about internet safety and cyberbullying. Encourage them to think critically about content and report abusive behavior. Set strict privacy settings on social media and monitor online activities discreetly. Educate them on blocking and filtering tools and emphasize the importance of not engaging with trolls. Foster resilience by promoting positive self-esteem and coping strategies. Encourage offline hobbies and activities to balance online exposure. Stay vigilant for signs of distress and intervene promptly if bullying occurs, involving school authorities or mental health professionals if necessary.