The recent results of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2025 Session 1 arrived at a serendipitous moment for Sai Manogna Guthikonda — as if the universe had carefully planned this victory as the perfect birthday gift!
This year, more than 12 lakh candidates took the examination, and 17-year-old Sai Manogna stood out as the only girl among the 14 top scorers nationwide to achieve a 100 percentile — a remarkable feat indeed.
When the results were announced, Sai Manogna’s name echoed with triumph across Andhra Pradesh, bringing not just joy but a whirlwind of media attention and invitations, including the proud moment of meeting the state’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu.
Yet, when the camera flashes dim, it’s vital to peek behind the curtains of success.
Just a couple of months ago, the young girl sat at her study desk, books scattered around, feeling the weight of the impending JEE Mains examinations.
Despite her rigorous preparation and previous excellent performances in mock tests, the anxiety of expectations became overwhelming. Nights spent revising formulas, intertwined with brief moments of doubt, had become a daily routine.
But within the sanctuary of their home, her mother, Padmaja Guthikonda, recognised that the pressure had become unbearable for Sai Manogna. She made it her mission to turn their household into a space of support and encouragement.
“Since childhood, she always aimed to do her best, and before the Main exam, there was a lot of pressure. There were times when she felt frustrated because all this can be very overwhelming. She is, after all, just a child. When she’s stressed, her father and I tell her to find balance. We assure her that we won’t scold or punish her; our focus is on her efforts, and that’s what matters. Even if she didn’t get a rank, it would be perfectly fine,” Padmaja recalls in a conversation with The Better India.
This unconditional support from her parents laid the foundation for Sai Manogna’s resilience allowing her to navigate the high-pressure world of competitive exams with confidence. In times of pressure and doubt, her mother’s wisdom and nurturing care became the bedrock of her triumph.
Raising a JEE topper
As a nutritionist and administrative professional at a spine centre in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, Padmaja has always balanced her professional commitments with parenting. She decided to prioritise her children’s formative years, sometimes even at the cost of career growth.
She reflects on a time when she stepped back from more demanding career roles that required long working hours, ensuring she was present during her children’s pivotal academic phases, like high school and preparation for competitive exams.
From childhood, she encouraged a disciplined environment at her home. “We didn’t allow distractions like social media. During the teenage years, kids face a lot of peer pressure and distractions. Back when she was in Class 10, she used Instagram actively. We advised her that it wasn’t the right age for social media, and now, none of us in the family have social media accounts,” Padmaja explains.
“During teenage years, daughters may see their mothers as disciplinarians and their enemy. My daughter also listened more to her father and brother. However, once I stopped scolding and started understanding her perspective, she understood my concerns. I’ve also told her she can use her phone, but she must limit herself, knowing when to stop and focus back on her studies,” she adds.
Swapping leisure for learning was a strategic choice fully supported by the family, who were aware of the stakes involved in the intense competition. Padmaja’s supportive yet disciplined approach, complemented by her husband’s guidance, created a balanced environment. “We focus on communicating with each other about our day instead of spending unnecessary time on screens. On Sundays, she studies for six to eight hours; the rest of the day, she relaxes, watches TV, or goes outside,” she shares.
From being a personal alarm clock to a life coach – mothers do it all
Mornings in their household were orchestrated with precision. Padmaja would wake up at 4 am, engaging in meditation before gently waking her daughter at 5 am. This peaceful start was designed to channelise a sense of calm before a day of arduous study, which spanned up to 12-14 hours.
“We told her to study but also not to stress — to meditate and relax. It’s a practice that I follow myself and have instilled in my daughter. I advised her that if she feels stressed during the day, she should take a break, put her books aside, and close her eyes for 10 minutes. It has been extremely helpful for her,” she adds.
Being a nutritionist, Padmaja also ensured her daughter followed a nutrient-rich diet, mitigating the effects of stress with healthy eating habits, a crucial yet often overlooked part of a student’s lifestyle.
Her genuine belief in her daughter’s talent and character allowed Sai Manogna to thrive, achieving her academic goals while maintaining her mental and physical health.
When asked whether she dreams of her daughter making it to IITs, Padmaja has a different perspective. “I don’t have any specific dreams for her. I just hope she finds fulfilment and success in whatever field she chooses. Whatever path she decides, I just want her to excel,” she says.
The recent celebration of Sai Manogna’s victory was both momentous and modest. Although the media frenzy left little room for immediate family celebrations, Padmaja recalls the immense pride and joy that filled their hearts when her daughter’s efforts bore fruit.
More than just an individual accomplishment, it was a family affair — a collective achievement made possible by unified support.
As the family reflects on their journey, Padmaja shares a universal message for all parents: the importance of being supportive without exerting undue pressure on their children.
Her words extend beyond JEE aspirants — they resonate with every parent guiding their child through the pressures of academic and career choices. “Do not compare your children with somebody else. Support them and guide them properly. Let them excel in whatever field they choose,” she urges.
“When you support them, they listen. But if you demand or order them, they won’t. We’ve already navigated that stage in life. Let’s see things from their perspective.”
Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Padmaja Guthikonda.
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