Boy from Odisha's most illiterate tribe writes history of 'Cracked NEET'

A tribal boy from Odisha turned adversity into opportunity by securing 261st rank in the NEET UG examination. His inspiring journey proves that talent can emerge from anywhere as long as there is a desire to achieve it.

Mangala Muduli belongs to the Bonda tribe, which has the lowest literacy rate among all 62 tribes in Odisha. According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate of the Banda tribe is only 36.61%, the lowest among the particularly vulnerable tribal groups in the state.

Muduli, 19, who hails from Badbel village under Mudulipada panchayat in Govindpalli block of Malkangiri district in Odisha, has achieved what many in the tribe could only dream of. He became the first person from the Bonda tribe to pass the NEET exam. Muduli had attended the MBBS course at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, Ganjam district, over 400 km from his home.

Muduli, who comes from a farming family, completed his schooling from Mudulipada SSD High School and pursued higher education from SSD High School, Govindpalli (managed by the Department of SC and ST Development). Since his brother has dropped out of school, many people in the family have no hope for his future. However, while studying science in high school, his teacher Utkal Keshari Das encouraged him to appear for the medical entrance examination and helped him get admission into a training institute in Balasore.

Muduli dreamed of becoming a doctor since he was a child after witnessing the lack of medical services in his village. He saw villagers struggling to access health care, often having to walk miles to reach the nearest primary health centre. In many cases, people seek help from traditional healers. Mangala Muduli aspires to change this and bring proper healthcare to the community.

Muthuri did not know that he needed to appear for NEET exam to study medicine. “I didn't know there was any entrance exam to get into medical education. I thought if I studied science subjects in class 12, then I could study MBBS,” he said. His science teacher not only briefed him about the NEET entrance exam, but also provided him with a mobile phone to access study materials and enrolled him in a tuition centre.

“Mangala is a bright student. I know he can pass the entrance exam,” his teacher said. Muduli’s teachers not only provided him with the necessary guidance and support but also enabled him to study for free at a tuition center which otherwise charges Rs 1.20 lakh from other students.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated Muduli on his success. “He proved that even in the face of adversity, with strong willpower and determination, success can be achieved. He is an inspiration to the tribal community.