Nineteen-year-old Sajad Mehraj from the remote Kupwara district of Kashmir has defied immense odds to clear the NEET UG exam with an outstanding score of 650 out of 750. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is that Sajad achieved this while managing a naan stall to support his family. His story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of determination to overcome adversity.
In an interview with Alakh Pandey from Physics Wallah, Sajad shared his journey of perseverance. His path to success was not without challenges, especially from his peers. Sajad recounted how a classmate once questioned his presence in school, saying, "Why allow street sellers to enter the school? What would they achieve by doing so?" Despite such demotivating comments, Sajad remained steadfast in his goal, thanks to the unwavering support of his sister. His sister, the first doctor from their village, served as his greatest inspiration and motivation to pursue a career in medicine.
Why allow street sellers to enter the school? What would they achieve by doing so?Sajad’s classmate
Sajad’s environment often posed barriers to his dreams, but his family, especially his father, always prioritized education. Despite his limited formal education, Sajad’s father encouraged his children to pursue their studies, refusing to be swayed by societal pressures. His decision to keep his daughter in school, despite suggestions from a neighbor to withdraw her, paved the way for both his children to pursue careers in medicine.
Sajad’s daily life has been a balancing act between work and study. For several hours each day, he runs a naan stall, preparing nearly 300 naans for sale while attending online lectures from Physics Wallah on his mobile phone. His day starts as early as 4 AM, and he returns home by 7 PM. Despite the physically demanding work, Sajad found time to study and stay focused on his academic goals.
Since childhood, Sajad has been deeply involved in his family’s business ventures. As early as the fourth grade, he helped run a footwear and crockery stall alongside his brother. When his father fell ill, Sajad took on even more responsibilities, launching his own naan stall to support his family financially. These hardships, however, did not hinder his academic performance. Sajad excelled in school, topping his local cluster in eighth grade, and securing a scholarship from the Kashmir Education Initiative when he entered ninth grade.
His headmaster also played a significant role in his journey by purchasing a discounted course from Physics Wallah for ₹2,000, which enabled Sajad to continue preparing for the NEET exam. This gesture allowed him to access the resources he needed to pursue his medical dreams, despite the family’s financial limitations.
Sajad’s determination to succeed in the medical field is partly driven by his family’s legacy. His elder sister, who also passed the NEET exam, is now a second-year MBBS student at the Government Medical College in Srinagar. She has been a major influence in Sajad’s life, encouraging him to defy societal expectations and aim high. Her success, combined with the support of their father, has shown Sajad that education can be the key to overcoming poverty and other barriers.
Now, Sajad is preparing to join the Government Medical College in Handwara, Kupwara District, to continue his journey toward becoming a doctor. His academic journey has not gone unnoticed; Alakh Pandey, the founder of Physics Wallah, has generously offered to cover Sajad’s college fees. This financial support will allow him to focus entirely on his studies without the added burden of worrying about how to pay for his education.
Sajad Mehraj’s story is one of grit, determination, and triumph over adversity. His ability to balance work and study while achieving outstanding academic success is an inspiration to many. He has shown that no obstacle is insurmountable when driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment. As Sajad embarks on the next chapter of his life, his journey serves as a beacon of hope for other young students facing similar challenges.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)