Odisha
No coaching, broken home, big dreams: How an Odisha family sent 5 children to medical college
A family in Odisha has battled poverty to achieve a remarkable feat: without any formal coaching, four siblings and their niece have secured admission to medical colleges across the state.
Living in a dilapidated house in a remote village in Odisha's Kandhamal district, daily-wage workers Bursi Pradhan, 73, and his wife Anusaya, 62, are now celebrating the academic achievements of their children, who are pursuing MBBS degrees and gradually transforming the fortunes of a family that has endured years of hardship.
The family's remarkable journey began in 2021, when their eldest son, Bibhisan Pradhan, secured admission to Sri Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital.
The family had another reason to celebrate in 2025 when their daughter Monalisa joined the same institution.
This year brought two more milestones. Their son Asariya enrolled at Shaheed Rindo Majhi Medical College and Hospital, while their daughter Sunemi secured admission to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital.
The family's joy grew further when their niece, Minakhi Pradhan, daughter of Bursi's younger brother and a member of the same household, cracked the NEET exam this year and secured admission to Sri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital in Puri.
Bursi worked as a daily-wage labourer throughout his life to support the education of his family. He even travelled to Kerala in search of work but eventually returned to Odisha after his health deteriorated.
Before joining medical college, Monalisa worked at a garment shop in Berhampur while preparing for NEET and helping support her brother's education.
Her efforts paid off when she secured a medical seat last year with financial assistance from a doctor at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, The Times of India reported.
“Our elder brother and sister motivated and guided us throughout the preparation,” Asariya, who cleared NEET on his first attempt, told the newspaper, highlighting how the struggles and determination of his elder siblings inspired them.
Despite the family's achievements, Anusaya, who works as a farm labourer, remains concerned about how they will finance the children's education in the coming years.
“We are happy that four of our children and a niece are studying medicine, but we do not know how we will support their education in the coming years,” she told The Times of India.
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