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

A stick in one hand and umbrella in the other, his day starts with helping his mother to graze cattle; rest of the time is spent in collecting firewood, turmeric and other forest produce. We are talking about a tribal boy, who is aiming to touch the sky, with his sheer determination.

Meet Sanatan Pradhan from a remote village in Odisha's Baliguda who has cleared one of the toughest exams, NEET, in the very first attempt. Sanatan has also taken admission in MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. But the poor financial condition of his family is now standing as a major hurdle before his dream.

Sanatan’s story to success is certainly an inspiration for many who have all the resources. However, this tribal boy had defeated several adversities before cracking the NEET.

Sanatan Downloading Videos From Top Of Hill

From walking 3 to 4 km to download videos from YouTube to staying away from family and going without food for days, Sanatan was always determined to complete his matriculation and 12th examination. It was his parents who stood as a wall and did everything to support his education. Even though they are now happy because of their son’s achievement of cracking the NEET, they are worried about how to arrange funds for his further education.

“It was my first attempt and I cleared NEET. I have got admissions in MKCG. My father works as a farmer and our financial condition is not good. Though villagers are happy, I am worried about my further studies,” said Sanatan.

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According to Sanatan, he used to walk for 3 to 4 km and download videos from the internet and later watch them for the NEET exam.

“Due to mobile network issues, I stayed in Berhampur for some months. As I am a tribal, I also work with my mother to graze cattle and collect firewood. My parents are unable to fund my further education. Through OTV, I urge government and others to extend a helping hand,” he said.

Sanatan With His Mother

Sanatan’s father Kaneswar Pradhan said, “We are happy that our son will study medical and become a doctor. But at the same time, we are worried about how to fund for his studies. During his 12th, I did everything to assist him financially for his studies. Despite lack of books and other resources, my son cleared NEET. My son’s dream can only be fulfilled if he gets some assistance from the government and others.”

Madhuri Pradhan, his mother said, “We took every odd job available to fund my son’s education. No matter how hard we work, we are not in a position to help him in his further studies."

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