Bhubaneswar: Years of hardwork and perseverance helped a tribal youth from Kandhamal district of Odisha to arrive near his destination but the road ahead still seems to be full of hurdles. Such is the story of Ifu Mallick, a first year MBBS student of Saheed Laxman Nayak (SLN) Medical College and Hospital, Koraput.
A native of Bagramila village under Mediakia police limits, Ifu is son of a poor farmer. He successfully cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and secured admission in the MBBS course. However, he is yet to attend his classes as his family is unable to fund the college and hostel fees.
In order to collect the funds needed to pursue his education, Ifu is now working as a daily wager or taking up various odd jobs at his village. The ambitious youth had also been engaging in the MGNREGA work since his Plus Two days to earn some money for supporting his family and his own education needs.
Ifu is a meritorious student who had secured 75% marks in Class 10 and got selected at Navajyoti Junior Science College, Bhubaneswar for studying +2 Science. He was able to complete his +2 with good marks scoring 72% in aggregate.
He was able to clear NEET in his second attempt and got admission in the Saheed Laxman Nayak (SLN) Medical College and Hospital, Koraput. Though he was able to borrow some money to deposit the first year admission fees, he is yet to deposit the hostel fees.
