Forty-seven students from Gyan Gudi, a free residential coaching programme established by the Bastar district administration, have successfully qualified for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This accomplishment is noteworthy for the students hailing from the Bastar forest area. The district collector, Akash Chhikara, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating that their performance has not only made their families proud but has also uplifted the entire district.

In his remarks, Chhikara highlighted that nearly fifty students from Gyan Gudi have excelled in the NEET examination, with four students also qualifying for nursing. He mentioned that counselling sessions for these successful candidates are set to commence next month, with the hope that they will secure admissions in reputable medical colleges.

Expansion Plans for Coaching Initiative

During his address, Chhikara indicated that the district administration intends to broaden the scope of the Gyan Gudi programme beyond NEET and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) to include other competitive tests such as those for staff selection and banking. He emphasised the importance of nurturing local talent as a means to improve healthcare facilities in the region.

Chhikara articulated his aspirations for the students, stating that he hopes they will become proficient doctors and contribute significantly to the development of medical services in Bastar. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing preparatory support for various competitive exams requiring a grasp of general subjects like mathematics, general knowledge, and English.

Alexander Cherian, in charge of Gyan Gudi, provided additional context regarding enrolment. He shared that a total of 379 students registered for NEET through the initiative, out of which 240 secured qualifying marks. He also mentioned that many of these students have been admitted to government medical colleges, while 37 have been selected in the Pre-Agriculture Test (PAT), enabling their enrolment in agricultural universities across Chhattisgarh.

Support and Motivation for Students

According to Cherian, the talent among students in the region is abundant and simply requires the right opportunities to flourish. He stated that if provided with adequate resources, students from Bastar could certainly compete with peers from urban areas. He remarked, “Almost all of our students have also joined medical colleges. If children are provided with opportunities, our children can also compete and progress with the children of metro cities.”

Aishwarya Panigrahi, one of the NEET-qualified students, shared her experiences regarding the support received from the programme during her preparation. She described the initiative as immensely beneficial and recounted her challenges while studying in Hyderabad, such as navigating language barriers in a different state. Panigrahi emphasised the facilities available at Gyan Gudi and the supportive nature of the teachers involved.

She expressed her gratitude, stating that the educators were always accessible for resolving doubts and providing motivation throughout the rigorous preparation process. This sense of community and support has played a crucial role in her success, demonstrating the positive impact of the Gyan Gudi programme on local students aiming for careers in medicine.

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