This Tribal Student Trekked 3 Km Daily For Internet, Cracked NEET Exam In First Attempt

Berhampur: Using borrowed books and trekking three to four kilometers daily to reach a hilltop for internet access, 19-year-old Sanatan Pradhan, a tribal student from a remote village in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, has cleared the NEET medical entrance exam on his first attempt. Sanatan’s journey, defined by determination, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to becoming a doctor, has not only brought immense pride to his family but has also inspired hope in a region where educational opportunities are scarce.

His father, Kaneswar Pradhan, is a small-scale farmer in Tadimaha, a remote village in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district. Despite facing significant challenges, Sanatan, a member of the Kandha tribe, succeeded in cracking NEET without any formal coaching and is now set to join the government-run MKCG Medical College, as reported by news agency PTI.

After completing his Class 10 from a government school in Daringbadi, Sanatan moved to Khallikote Junior College in Berhampur to pursue his Class 12 studies. Upon finishing his higher secondary education, he returned to his village to prepare for NEET. With no internet access in the village, he would walk three to four kilometers daily, climbing hills to find a spot with connectivity to study for the exam.

“It was tough to travel to the hills every day and spend hours studying there,” Sanatan shared. “Two months before the NEET exam, I returned to Berhampur to continue preparing, using online resources and borrowing books from friends.”

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Sanatan expressed his joy at securing a seat in MKCG Medical College, calling it a dream come true. “I always hoped to get into a medical college, but making it to MKCG is beyond my expectations. I am committed to studying diligently and becoming a doctor to serve the people in remote areas where healthcare is limited.”

Sanatan’s family has already borrowed money to secure his seat, and they are now exploring further financial options. “Several banks have approached us, offering student loans,” his father, Kaneswar, said.

“We hope the government will provide financial assistance to support Sanatan’s medical education,” Kaneswar added.

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