Father works as labourer, mother sells pakoras to support son’s medical education at SCB Cuttack

You might have come across numerous stories of struggle, hard work, grit and determination, but sometimes there are situations when you start questioning the destiny owing to severe hardships that are sometimes enough to break one's determination. Today, we have come up with a story of a youth from Odisha's Bargarh district who is fighting against all odds to pursue his dream of medical education.

Meet Chhatrapati Pradhan of Bheden block who aspires to become a doctor by pursuing MBBS. He has already completed BDS from SCB Medical College and Hospital after his Plus II.

Though Chhatrapati tried for the MBBS and even got good rank twice, funds have been posing a hurdle before his dream. Since his childhood, Chhatrapati has been working tirelessly to fulfill his dream to become a doctor. Hailing from Manpur village, Chhatrapati’s family stays in a small-cabin type structure.

His father works as a labourer and his mother Padma sells pakoras from a small space of the house. The family barely manages to generate an income of Rs 200 per day.

“My father works as labourer and my mother sells pakoras. We are going through a lot of hardship and I am unable to pursue education due to financial constraints,” said Chhatrapati.

Chhatrapati’s parents are trying their best to support his education. However, their source of income is paltry and they are helpless, said Padma while tears roll down her cheeks.

Padma recalls the time when her son used to call her seeking money. But it was always a tough time to send money as sometimes she just had Rs 30 to 50 with her. Despite such hardships, Padma makes sure that she arranges money as per her capacity to help her son out.

“I sell pakoras and sometimes earn Rs 100 to Rs 150 per day. We only get rice under the PDS. We do not have a house. We are poor and we are doing our bit to make our son study. There are days when we have to sleep without food,” said Padma.

Chhatrapati’s younger brother stays with his uncle for his education. Despite poor financial conditions, Chhatrapati’s family is still deprived of the housing scheme of the government.

Dr. Shankar Ramchandani recently provided assistance of Rs 25,000 after he learned about Chhatrapati’s hardship.

"Once Chhatrapati called him and narrated his ordeal. He is a BDS student and had qualified for MBBS twice. But unfortunately, due to financial crunch, he has not been able to take admission," said Ramchandani.