Alisha Rani, a Class XII student of Government Senior Secondary Smart School (Girls), Barnala, has been selected for the prestigious Sakura Science High School Programme 2026 to be held in Japan.She is among 56 students shortlisted from across the country and is one of only three students selected from Punjab for the week-long educational tour scheduled from May 24 to 30.The other two students from Punjab are Anmolpreet Kaur from Shaheed Gurdas Ram Memorial Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Zira in Ferozepur district, and Manmeet Singh from Government Senior Secondary School, Ghanauli in Ropar district.Barnala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Harpreet Singh said that Alisha’s selection was made by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. The DC termed it a significant achievement and a valuable opportunity for students to gain exposure to advancements in science and technology.District Education Officer (Secondary) Suneet Inder Singh said that the selection process is conducted at the national level based on academic merit. He added that Alisha has an excellent academic record, having qualified the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) examination. She has been receiving an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000 since Class VIII, secured a merit position in Class VIII, and scored 97 per cent marks in Class X.Expressing her happiness, Alisha said the programme would help her learn about global developments in science and technology. She thanked her school Principal Vinsi Jindal and her teachers for their support. The school has even put up a hoarding featuring her to celebrate her achievement.Her parents Ashu Kumar and Rimpi Rani expressed pride over her achievement and described the opportunity to visit Japan as a moment of honour for the family.“My wife and I have not even cleared Class X and work at private shops as salespersons. We are short of words that our daughter will visit Japan on an educational tour,” said Ashu Kumar while talking to The Tribune. The family also has a younger son.