Bhubaneswar, Sept. 15 (UDN): A family from Kandhamal’s remote Daringbadi region has turned hardship into achievement, with five young members clearing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and securing admission to government medical colleges in Odisha.
The story of the Naiak family begins in Sikabadi village, where 76-year-old Brushi Naiak and his 62-year-old wife Anusaya live in a modest mud-walled, asbestos-roofed house. Despite limited financial resources and the challenges of life in the hilly, forested region, the couple encouraged their children to pursue education.
Their eldest son, Bibhisan Naiak, 25, was the first to break through. After clearing NEET, he joined Saheed Laxman Naik Medical College in Koraput, where he is now completing his internship.
His achievement inspired the next generation. His sister Monalisa, 23, is currently pursuing her second year of MBBS at the same medical college.
The family’s success story has since grown even bigger. Sunemi, 20, Ashriya, 18, and Meenakshi, 19, have also cleared NEET and are pursuing MBBS at government medical colleges in Puri, Bolangir and Bhawanipatna respectively.
Cousin Raised As Daughter
Meenakshi is the daughter of Brushi’s younger brother, Jishiya Pradhan. However, she has been brought up by Brushi and Anusaya since childhood and is treated as one of their own children.
The household currently comprises nine members, including two younger boys who are still attending school.
For the family, the achievement has come after years of managing life with limited means and depending largely on subsistence farming. Their journey from a remote village to government medical colleges is being seen locally as an example of determination overcoming economic hardship.
Appeal For Support
While the family celebrates the educational achievements of the five aspiring doctors, the cost of supporting their higher education remains a major concern.
Jishiya Pradhan has appealed to the Odisha government for financial assistance to help the family meet the educational expenses of the children.
The success has also generated pride across Sikabadi, with villagers hoping that the five youngsters will eventually return to their home region as doctors and serve communities where access to healthcare remains a challenge.
The family’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, demonstrating how determination and access to education can create opportunities even in the face of severe economic constraints.