Berhampur: A Kolkata-based philanthropist has come forward to support the medical education of three siblings from a poor tribal family in Odisha’s Kandhamal district after reading about their inspiring story in the TOI on Sept 15.Mudar Patherya, founder-trustee of the Kolkata Gives Foundation, has announced scholarships for the students, who secured admission to three govt-run medical colleges in the state this year after cracking NEET-UG in their first attempt. He was moved by the TOI report, “From poverty to 5 medical seats: K’mal family’s journey of perseverance”. “We will financially support the siblings for their medical studies,” said Patherya.Initially, each student will receive a scholarship for one year. The support may be renewed based on their academic performance and availability of funds. The beneficiaries are Asariya Pradhan, his sister Sunemi Pradhan, and their cousin Minakhi Pradhan, all from a village near Daringbadi. This year, they secured admission to Shaheed Rendo Majhi Medical College and Hospital, Bhawanipatna; Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, Balangir; and Sri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri, respectively.The family’s elder siblings, Bibhisan Pradhan and Monalisa Pradhan, are pursuing internships and second-year MBBS studies, respectively, at Sri Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput.Despite growing up in a dilapidated house and battling severe financial hardship, the five siblings are pursuing their dream of becoming doctors. Their father, Bursi Pradhan (73), suffers from ill health, while their mother, Anusaya Pradhan, works as a daily-wage labourer. The younger siblings prepared for NEET-UG while staying in a rented house in Berhampur and cleared the examination without formal coaching. “They were inspired by their elder brothers and sisters,” said Asariya.Earlier, Dr Jagdeep Nayak, assistant professor in the department of anaesthesiology at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, had extended financial assistance for Monalisa’s MBBS admission after learning about the family’s financial condition. Monalisa contributed to the family’s educational journey by working at a garment shop in Berhampur and supporting her younger brother’s studies.
