TV
In a remarkable story of determination and resilience, a Bonda tribe boy, hailing from the tribal-dominated village of Odisha’s Malkangiri district has defied poverty and financial constraints to clear the NEET exam 2024.
The 19-year-old boy from Badbel village under Mudulipada panchayat of Govindapalli block in Malkangiri district has become the first person from the primitive vulnerable tribal group to clear the prestigious medical exam.
Mangala Muduli, the talented student from the Bonda tribe has not only achieved this milestone but also has secured admission to the prestigious MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. He has secured an impressive 261st rank in the state’s tribal list, which improved to sixth place after including the additional marks awarded for studying in a government school.
Hailing from a farmers’ family, Muduli completed his schooling at Mudulipada SSD High School and went on to pursue his higher education at SSD Senior Secondary School in Govindapalli, run by the SC and ST development department.
Recognizing his extraordinary talent, teachers from his school encouraged him to take the NEET exam. Impressively, to everyone’s shock, Muduli cleared the exam in the first round itself, reflecting his hard work and dedication.
“He was always exceptional in academics, so I advised him to appear for the NEET exam. I helped him join a coaching institute in Balasore and the centre waived off his entire fee of Rs 1.20 lakh,” TOI quoted his science teacher Utkal Keshari Das.
Expressing his joy, Muduli told TOI, “I am very happy to have cleared the NEET exam in my first attempt. I owe my success to my family and Das sir. I have witnessed the health issues faced by my community; will always serve my people.”
Meanwhile, the Odisha Government’s ST/SC Department congratulated him and extended best wishes to Mangala Muduli as he embarks on this new journey.
