Son of house help cracks NEET in Odisha, realises mother's dream

A youth from Odisha's Nabarangpur has achieved a remarkable feat by cracking NEET UG 2025 despite severe financial hardships. Dhabaleswar Pujari, the son of a house help, scored 376 marks in the examination and secured a seat at Saheed Laxman Nayak (SLN) Medical College & Hospital in Koraput. He said that his dream of becoming a doctor was inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he saw doctors selflessly working on the frontlines.

Financial Struggles And Appeal For Aid

Despite his achievement, Dhabaleswar admitted that pursuing his studies remains uncertain due to lack of financial support. 

“I cracked NEET UG 2025 by scoring 376 marks and secured admission to SLN Medical College. During COVID-19, I saw doctors fighting on the frontlines without caring for their own lives. That inspired me to become a doctor. I have cleared NEET but do not have the financial aid to continue. I request the Odisha Government to take cognisance of my issue and help me,” he said.

Mother’s Pride Amid Hardship

His mother, who works as a househelp to sustain the family, expressed her immense pride and joy at her son’s success. She said she had struggled for years to make ends meet, and seeing her son secure a medical seat was the proudest moment of her life.

MLA Extends Assurance

Nabarangpur MLA Gouri Shankar Majhi came forward to support the young achiever. 

“Strong willpower is the key to success, and Dhabaleswar has proved it through his journey of qualifying NEET despite so many hardships. It makes me immensely proud to see him achieve this milestone. I will personally fund his education and support him in any field he chooses,” Majhi said.