Identical twins Nishtha and Nirmani Brahmbhatt have shared just about everything in life — from their birth date to their first day of classes at Old Dominion University.
That includes graduating as co-valedictorians from Hampton High School in June with matching 4.65 grade point averages.
Going to separate colleges was never a consideration, although Nishtha plans to major in mechanical engineering while Nirmani will focus on computer science in hopes of becoming a software engineer. The 18-year-olds applied to the same 20 schools and chose ODU after receiving full scholarships.
“We do have a little friendly competition between us, but we’ve always been really close,” said Nirmani, the younger twin by a minute. “When we both ended up No. 1 in high school, we were really happy and proud.”
“Most of the time, we were each other’s go-to study partner,” Nishtha added. “We’re in the same room and have similar interests. We just support each other.”
The twins will live at home during college, citing a close bond with their parents and a Hindu faith with strict dietary restrictions such as avoiding meat, eggs, onion, garlic and other spicy foods. (ODU has no on-campus residency requirements.) They attended freshman orientation together June 24 and both started classes Monday.
“It’s been amazing to see their bond grow over the years,” said Meghana Brahmbhatt, the sisters’ mother. “I think what’s made them successful is their focus, their kindness and the way they always lift each other up. Our spirituality has also played a big role in shaping their values and giving them a strong foundation to stay grounded, grateful and resilient.”
Twin sisters Nirmani, left, and Nishtha Brahmbhatt at ODU’s Webb Center on the first day of class Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)
Meghana Brahmbhatt and her husband, Kalpesh, immigrated to the United States from India in 2007. Kalpesh is a Hindu priest while Meghana works as an assistant at their temple. Most of the family, including Nishtha and Nirmani’s two older brothers, remain in India.
Born in New Jersey, the twins have lived in Hampton since they were 2 months old. They went to Tucker-Capps Fundamental Elementary School (now Mary W. Jackson Fundamental Elementary School) and Spratley Gifted Center (now Ann H. Kilgore Gifted Center) before enrolling in the rigorous international baccalaureate diploma program at Hampton High.
Throughout high school, Nirmani’s GPA was ever-so-slightly higher, sometimes by as little as a hundredth of a decimal point. But in the fall of their senior year, Nishtha earned a straight A in their advanced history course and Nirmani got an A-minus.
The difference left the siblings in a dead heat for valedictorian, a first for Hampton public schools, said spokesperson Kellie Goral. Each gave a five-minute speech at Hampton High’s graduation ceremony.
“I joke that I was the valedictorian since ninth grade, and she only was for the very end,” Nirmani said. “But really, we wouldn’t have come so far without each other.”
The twins also had many common extracurricular activities, such as volleyball, National Honor Society, speech and forensics, and Spanish Honor Society. English was a favorite subject for both. Video editing, graphic design, dancing and baking are mutual hobbies.
Of course, the sisters do have differences: Nishtha, they agree, is a bit more mature and serious than Nirmani, who can be more playful and sensitive. “I give her advice and comfort her like a typical older sister,” Nishtha said. “I help her not get too upset about little things.”
Nishtha and Nirmani ultimately got into 10 colleges, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary and George Mason University. They liked that ODU was close to home and would put no financial burden on their parents.
After traveling to spiritual conventions in California and New Jersey this summer, Nishtha and Nirmani are excited to start college, explore clubs at ODU and possibly get jobs. Although they will carpool to Norfolk when their schedules align, they won’t be in the same classes.
“I’m a little nervous,” Nishtha admitted. “I don’t know what to expect or how I will handle the assignments and tests.”
“I’m not that nervous, but I know I’ll need to adapt to a new environment and managing my time,” Nirmani added.
Meghana Brahmbhatt is curious to watch her twins’ next adventure unfold: “I’m so proud of who they are becoming — both together and as individuals.”
Alison Johnson is a freelancer writer for Virginia Media. Contact her ajohnsondp@yahoo.com.
