Indian teenager tops exams, eschews college to become monk
 

AHMEDABAD, India: An Indian teenager who topped his state in his final exams re**unced worldly pleasures and committed to the austere life of a monk on Thursday in an elaborate ceremony on the banks of a holy river.

Varshil Shah, who graduated just a fortnight ago in Gujarat with the highest possible score, emerged from the pre-dawn ritual a Jain disciple with shaved head and white robes after receiving the blessings of his family and guru.

Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet and some monks and nuns cover their mouths with fabric to prevent them from accidentally swallowing insects.

The 17-year-old eschewed the path so valued by Indian graduates -- college and a successful job -- to wander the countryside living an ascetic life, meditating and studying the scriptures.

"I always wanted to attain happiness without hurting anybody. Scoring top rank in board exams does **t give happiness," Shah told reporters in Surat the day before his ordination.

"The material world does **t give eternal happiness that millions seek. So, I chose to become a Jain Monk to experience eternal happiness without hurting anybody."

Shah had become concerned with the value placed on money in society, and told his father -- a tax accountant -- and mother that he wished to achieve happiness without harming others.

After many years of wandering and prayer Shah -- who was renamed SuviryaRatna Vijayji Maharaj after the ceremony -- can ascend to the level of guru and guide his own disciples in the ancient Indian faith.

His uncle Nayan Sutariya, a chartered accountant, said Shah had decided to become a monk almost immediately after he received his state-topping 99.99 percent exam result.

Hundreds of family and friends attended the ceremony, which saw Shah dressed with embroidered headgear and a beige tunic before he took his vows and donned the monastic uniform.

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