Hostel fees stand as an obstacle to tribal boy’s MBBS dream in Odisha

Located amidst a dense forest, one has to trek all the way to Jeta Tola village under Bisra block in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. With no basic facilities till today, the village gives the feel of pre-Independence even in this 21st century.

However, instead of sobbing over his family and village condition, Satya Oram has become a beacon of hope for those who dream big. The Bonda tribe boy successfully cracked the prestigious NEET exam and got admission to Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital. He is all set to become the first doctor of not just his village, but also the entire panchayat.

Hailing from an inaccessible remote village with no basic facilities, the struggle of Satya is unimaginable. With severe financial constraints, he had to struggle for every little thing in life. Neither did he have money or guidance from anyone. The only thing he had was a dream to become a doctor and his willpower.

Satya knew he had to change the fate of not just himself, but also his entire generation. Family members took a loan and rented a house for him in Rourkela. With no finance for coaching, self-study was the only option for Satya to clear the prestigious exam.

“I always wished that I could attend a private coaching institute. However, the thought of lakhs of rupees as fees sent me chills because I know my father is a farmer. So, I took a small room on rent and studied there all throughout,” said an emotional Satya.

“People in our area often fear to go to hospitals even if they are battling with some disease as many are not educated and get confused in big hospitals. So, they just depend on superstitious beliefs and witchcraft. I’m hopeful that things will change after I become a doctor. People will at least get the courage to come there because I will be there for them,” he further added.

While Satya has got admission in the prestigious SCB Medical College and Hospital, the hostel fee has become a hurdle to his doctor's dream. With no helping hand, he is currently working as a labourer and doing petty jobs to arrange his fees.

“We are happy that he has cleared his exam. However, we cannot afford to pay his fees. So, I request the government to extend help to him,” said Satya’s brother Sushant Oram.