Tea vendor’s son cracks NEET; shares his harboured dream of becoming doctor

Suraj Behera, son of Phulbani-based a tea vendor has proved that grit and determination prevail over odds by cracking the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Tea vendor, Harishanker Behera’s son has cracked the NEET with flying colours and is all set to become a doctor. He has scored 635 out of 720. His All-India ranking is 8065.

Suraj completed his schooling from AJO High School before pursuing Plus Two at a government college in Phulbani. Suraj, a Plus Three Science student, had appeared for the NEET examination without taking coaching last year. As he did not get a good rank, he opted for appearing for NEET for the second time and nailed it. In a tete-a-tete with OTV, Suraj talks about his ambitions...

About his long cherished dream, he said, “There is a hospital near our tea kiosk and I used to observe doctors keenly. From my childhood, I had harboured a dream of becoming a doctor. After completion of Plus II, I failed to join any coaching classes which some extent shattered my desire to become a doctor. It was then I realized the power of the internet. I started reading from YouTube and different apps. Last year, I had scored 575 for which I was not selected. However, I did not feel low and was determined to give my best. I am glad that I have secured 635 marks and I will get admission in a government college to pursue MBBS.”

He further added: “I would like to be a good doctor who can connect to the suffering of patients. Now-a-days there is lot of pressure on doctors. I would love to lessen their burden by becoming a good doctor. My dream is to serve the poor who cannot afford private hospitals.”

Suraj had secured 80 per cent marks in the Plus II examination for which the state government presented him a laptop which helped him a lot to continue his study for hours. He maintains: “It is difficult to study for hours in mobile phone. I had passed Plus II with flying colours for which I was given away a laptop. Laptop immensely helped me to make my dream come true.”

Suraj’s father is on cloud nine after his son cracked NEET. He said, “I would like to see Suraj as a good doctor in future. Though I failed to fulfil every dream of my son, I had always tried my best to do my part so that he could realize his dream.”

His mother said, “I am really happy for him. At the same time, I am also worried about how to clear his dues which will be spent for MBBS for the coming five years as we have no own home and land.”