Pune: This is the story of hard work and determination. Students from remote parts of the state came to Pune and got strong support from Lift For Upliftment, an NGO run by former and current students of BJ Medical College who give free coaching for National Entrance and Eligibility Test (NEET).
Hari Sanap, son of a farmer, will be the first aspirant doctor from his village at Patoda in Beed district. So will be Atul Sarode, son of a farmer from Malkarpur in Buldhana district, who will be the first one to become a doctor in his family. Similar are the cases of other students who with their grit and support from the NGO once again proved there is no shortcut to success.
Sanap scored 264 in his first attempt at NEET in 2017. “I couldn’t afford a coaching class then, therefore I tried to study as much as possible by myself. Since my marks were less back then, I couldn’t seek admission to any of the colleges and private medical colleges were beyond my reach. Thus, I decided to skip a year and re-appear for the examination and then I came across this NGO,” said Sanap.
In his second attempt at NEET, he secured 429 marks out of 720. Sanap shifted to Pune with his mother in Std V when she joined as a peon at MIT Academy of Engineering in Alandi, while his father stayed back at the village to do farming.
Sanap said his village has a population of 100 to 120 people and does not have a doctor. “The nearest hospital is 6 to 7 km away. Villagers face challenges and have to overcome many hurdles to seek medical intervention. Therefore, I want to complete MBBS and start a clinic there so that I can help my village people,” said Sanap. Sarode came to Pune three years ago to seek higher education. He studied in Laxmanrao Apte College. He secured 413 marks in his second attempt this year.
“Last year I scored 368 marks by self-study but some of my relatives advised that I should re-attempt the exam as with those marks it would have been difficult to get admission in a government medical college. While a private medical college has never been an option. Even now, my parents are not very satisfied and said I could do better. However, now I am looking for admission. If I am unable to get admission to MBBS, I will try the BDS course,” said Sarode.
For Waishnavi Bais, daughter of a Havaldar in the Army, taking medical education in Armed Force Medical College (AFMC) was a dream. Bais scored 493 marks in NEET. “Since my father is in the army, from childhood we visited AFMC and Command Hospital. I would admire the medical professionals there,” she said. “Also after the Army, I believe medical is the most respected profession,” said Bais.
However, because of her score, she was unable to get admission to the AFMC. She is looking forward to admission either at BJ Medical College or in Government Medical College in Nanded, which is her hometown. “If I get a chance in BJ Medical College, I want to volunteer for Lift For Upliftment and encourage many more aspirants. In case I don’t get a chance, I would like to study in Nanded and hope to serve in rural and underserved community,” said Bais.
