Rising above adversity: Inspiring journey of three Sukma students to medical college

RAIPUR: In a significant achievement for the tribal-dominated Sukma district in Bastar division, three students have secured admissions to government medical colleges after excelling in the NEET examination. Sukma, known for its remote and challenging terrain, presents numerous obstacles for students pursuing education. Their journey, marked by determination, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of their dreams, has not only brought pride to their families but also ignited hope in a region where opportunities are often scarce.

Akash Kumar Podiyami has been allotted a seat at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences in Bilaspur. Gulshan Modiyam will be attending Late Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College in Jagdalpur, and Silky Netam has gained admission to Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Government Medical College in Durg, according to a government official.

Officials elaborated on the story of Akash Kumar Podiyami, who hails from the remote village of Dhaman in the Maoist-affected Konta block and embodies the spirit of resilience. Born into a family struggling with poverty and the loss of his father at a young age, Akash’s early years were spent in a Naxal-affected area where access to education was limited. His mother, Hidme, became the family's backbone, toiling as a laborer and selling forest produce to ensure her children could attend school.

Despite these challenges, Akash’s thirst for knowledge never waned. After completing his primary education at Portacabin Tongpal and secondary education at Pakela Portacabin, he earned a place at the Prayas Residential School in Raipur, where he completed his 12th grade with a focus on Biology. However, his journey was far from over.

Akash’s first attempt at the NEET exam was met with disappointment. But instead of giving up, he decided to continue his preparation at Saksham NEET Coaching, an initiative by the Sukma district administration aimed at helping students from remote areas. His dedication saw him through two more attempts, and finally, in his third attempt, he cleared the NEET exam.

Similarly, Gulshan Modiyam and Silky Netam, who also faced their own set of challenges, managed to secure seats in medical colleges, proving that with the right support and relentless effort, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

“This achievement is a source of inspiration not just for the students of Sukma but for the entire region. We are committed to continuing our support and creating an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed,” said Sukma Collector Haris S.

District Education Officer GR Mandvi expressed hope that their achievement would inspire others in the district.