Sukma’s Triumph Over Maoist Shadows as Three Students Crack NEET

 

In a region where the shadows of Maoist violence loom large, three students from the Janjati-dominated Sukma district in Chhattisgarh's Bastar division have achieved an extraordinary feat.

 

They have secured admissions to government medical colleges by excelling in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a remarkable accomplishment that shines as a beacon of hope in an area where educational opportunities are often stifled by insurgency.

 

Sukma, known for its remote and challenging terrain, has long been plagued by the Maoist insurgency, which has severely limited access to quality education and opportunities for its youth.

 

Despite these daunting challenges, the story of these three students—Akash Kumar Podiyami, Gulshan Modiyam, and Silky Netam—illustrates the triumph of determination, perseverance, and the human spirit over the forces of violence and despair.

 

Akash Kumar Podiyami, one of the three, hails from the remote village of Dhaman in the Maoist-affected Konta block. His journey is a testament to resilience and unyielding commitment to education.

 

Born into a poverty-stricken family, Akash faced the tragic loss of his father at a young age. His mother, Hidme, became the sole provider, working as a labourer and selling forest produce to ensure her children could continue their education—a rarity in a region where many children are forced to drop out of school to support their families.

 

Despite growing up in a Maoist-affected area where access to education was limited and danger was a constant companion, Akash’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched.

 

After completing his primary education in a makeshift Portacabin school in Tongpal and his secondary education in Pakela, Akash earned a place at the prestigious Prayas Residential School in Raipur. Here, he completed his 12th grade with a focus on Biology, laying the foundation for his future aspirations.

 

However, Akash’s journey to becoming a doctor was far from smooth. His first attempt at the NEET exam ended in disappointment. Yet, rather than giving up, Akash exemplified resilience.

 

He enrolled in Saksham NEET Coaching, an initiative by the Sukma district administration designed to support students from remote areas like his.

 

It took Akash two more attempts, but his relentless dedication paid off when he finally cleared the NEET exam on his third try, securing a seat at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences in Bilaspur.

 

Similarly, Gulshan Modiyam and Silky Netam, two other students from Sukma, also overcame significant obstacles to secure admissions in medical colleges.

 

Gulshan will be attending Late Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College in Jagdalpur, while Silky has been admitted to Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Government Medical College in Durg.

 

Their stories, like Akash’s, are not just tales of academic success but also of courage, perseverance, and the will to break free from the chains of adversity.

 

Sukma’s Collector, Haris S, praised the students’ achievements, highlighting their success as a source of inspiration for the entire region. “This achievement is not just a personal victory for these students but a symbol of hope and possibility for all of Sukma.

 

We are committed to continuing our support and creating an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed,” he said.

 

District Education Officer GR Mandvi echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the success of these students would inspire others in the district to pursue their dreams, no matter how distant they might seem.

 

The achievements of Akash, Gulshan, and Silky stand as a powerful rebuttal to the destructive ideology of the Maoists, who have long sought to disrupt and deny the progress of Janjati communities.

 

Their success underscores the potential that lies within every child, even in the most adverse conditions, and the vital importance of providing educational opportunities as a means of breaking the cycle of violence and poverty.

 

In a region where the sound of gunfire too often drowns out the voices of hope, the success of these three students is a triumph not just for them and their families but for the entire community.