From tribal village to medical college: Odisha's Gadaba tribe boy Ishak cracks NEET

In a remarkable achievement, Ishak Badnayak, a Gadaba tribal student from Lamptaput area in Koraput district has defied all odds to crack the prestigious National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Ishak, son of Buda Badnayak, a farmer of Hanumal village under Anakadeli panchayat in the district studied up to class VII at the village. Later, he studied at the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya in Mishingput and completed his matriculation examination. 

With a strong determination to pursue a career in medical science, Ishak went to Madurai in Tamil Nadu for higher education, where he scored 94% in the Plus 2 examinations.

Subsequently, he appeared for the NEET and cracked the competitive examination. Now, Ishak has returned to his village after getting admission to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

Meanwhile, Ishak’s success has brought a wave of joy to his family and the entire village.

“I have faced a lot of hardships including financial crunch when I left for my higher studies. Despite that, I kept myself motivated for the challenges to come and followed my dream,” said Ishak.

Expressing joy over his son’s success, Buda said, “I borrowed money for my son’s study. He had assured me that he would pay off all the loans once he became successful. As he has cracked NEET, I am very much delighted.”

Also Read | Starved for days as he had no money, but clears NEET in first attempt: Meet Odisha's 19-yo Sanatan

“We are feeling very proud as a tribal boy from our village has cracked NEET. Besides, we also urge Chief Minister to provide him necessary help for his studies. His parents have struggled a lot for his studies,” said Sanyasi Khara, a local resident.

(Reported by Jagat Jiban Kochim)