Reading time : 2 minutes
In a world where dreams are often shackled by poverty, Tabassum Jahan from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, carved out a path that defied her circumstances and led straight to the gates of her dream — admission into an MBBS program through NEET. Her journey from sleeping on railway platforms to cracking one of the toughest medical entrance exams in India is a tale of grit, perseverance, and unwavering hope.
Early Life in Adversity
Tabassum Jahan was born into a modest family in Gorakhpur, where daily survival was often more pressing than long-term aspirations. Her father, a daily wage labourer, struggled to make ends meet, and her mother worked as a domestic helper. With five siblings and barely enough income to feed the family, education seemed like a distant luxury. Yet, from a very early age, Tabassum harbored a singular dream — to wear the white coat of a doctor.
Her early schooling took place in a government school, where she proved to be an exceptional student. Teachers often praised her curiosity, hard work, and hunger for learning. But life had other plans. During her Class 11 and 12 years — crucial for medical aspirants — her family’s financial condition worsened. With no stable roof over their heads, the family often slept on railway platforms or roadside shelters. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Tabassum carried a borrowed lantern of hope.
Studying Under Streetlights
Without electricity or a proper place to live, Tabassum would often be found studying under the dim lights of Gorakhpur railway station or near public lampposts. She used old books, second-hand notes, and free online resources through borrowed mobile phones when available. Meals were uncertain, but her will to study was unwavering. She recalls, “There were days when I had to choose between buying food or a new notebook. I always chose the notebook.”
During this time, NGOs and good Samaritans occasionally offered support. A local coaching centre waived her fee after witnessing her potential. Teachers began offering free guidance and moral support. This community-driven upliftment became a turning point in her journey.
The NEET Journey
Preparing for NEET — the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — is daunting even for those with access to the best resources. For Tabassum, it was a mountain climb barefoot. Yet, she followed a strict study schedule, revising NCERT books, solving mock papers, and watching free lectures online when she could borrow a smartphone.
Her strength lay in her discipline. Each failure in mock tests became a lesson. Each small success was celebrated silently under the open sky. Her resilience became her greatest weapon.
On the day the NEET results were declared, Tabassum’s hands trembled as she checked her score on a borrowed phone. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she saw that she had cleared the exam with flying colours — a moment that turned her struggle into history.
A Family’s Pride, A Nation’s Inspiration
Tabassum’s success was not just hers. It belonged to her parents who toiled endlessly, her siblings who shared their portion of food with her, her mentors who believed in her, and strangers who lent a hand when she needed it most.
Her father, speaking to a local reporter, said with teary eyes, “We had nothing to give her, only our blessings. And she has made us proud.”
Local officials and members of the community came forward to support her further education. Scholarships and funding were arranged to ensure she could begin her MBBS without delay.
A Vision for the Future
Tabassum’s dream doesn’t stop at becoming a doctor. She aims to return to Gorakhpur after her MBBS and serve the underprivileged communities that she grew up among.
“I want to open a clinic for the poor, especially for children and women who can’t afford basic healthcare,” she says. “No one should die because they couldn’t pay a hospital bill.”
She also advocates for better educational infrastructure for girls in rural India. Her journey has inspired dozens of young girls in Gorakhpur, who now see education not just as an escape from poverty, but as a pathway to purpose.
Message to the Youth
Tabassum Jahan’s story is not just about academic success; it is a message to every young person battling odds. It proves that with focus, hard work, and the support of a compassionate community, even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome. She advises, “Never let your situation decide your future. Your dreams are valid, your struggle is your strength, and your determination is your destiny.”
Tabassum’s life is a shining example of what India’s youth can achieve when given even the smallest opportunity. From the dusty corners of Gorakhpur station to the prestigious corridors of medical college, she is a beacon of hope for millions reminding us that poverty may crush comfort, but it can never kill dreams.