Odisha’s Bonda tribe celebrates as tribal boy becomes first from community to clear NEET exam

PTC News Desk: Mangala Muduli, a 19-year-old from the Bonda tribe, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first person from his community to clear the NEET exam. The Bonda tribe, known as one of the most isolated and vulnerable tribal groups in Odisha, has the lowest literacy rate among the state’s 62 tribes. According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate for the Bonda tribe was just 36.61 per cent, significantly lower than other major particularly vulnerable tribal groups in Odisha.

Muduli’s achievement is even more significant given his background. He hails from Badbel village in the Mudulipada panchayat of Govindapalli block in Malkangiri district. This remote area is over 400 km away from Berhampur town in Ganjam district, where he is now enrolled in the MBBS program at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. In his very first attempt, Mangala secured the 261st rank among tribal candidates in this year’s NEET exam, marking a historic moment for his community.

Coming from a farming family, Muduli completed his schooling at Mudulipada SSD High School and continued his higher secondary education at SSD Senior Secondary School in Govindapalli, both institutions run by the SC and ST development department.

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His family, struggling with financial hardships, did not expect much in terms of education, especially after his elder brother dropped out of school. However, Mangala’s potential was recognized by his science teacher, Utkal Keshari Das, who encouraged him to aim higher.

Inspired by his teacher, Mangala dreamed of becoming a doctor, a desire rooted in his firsthand experience with the lack of healthcare facilities in his village. “I have seen the suffering of people in my village to get healthcare services. If anyone fell sick, they had to walk miles to a primary health centre. In such a situation, many people sought a sorcerer’s help. I wanted to change that,” he said.

Initially unaware that he needed to clear the NEET exam to pursue medical education, Mangala thought that studying science in higher secondary was enough to enter the medical field. His teacher, Utkal Keshari Das, guided him through this confusion, helping him understand the requirements for becoming a doctor.

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Das even went the extra mile to get Mangala a mobile phone so he could access study materials and enrolled him in a coaching institute in Balasore. “Mangala was a very good student, and I knew he could crack the exam. I just provided him with the necessary guidance and support to help him study for free, though the centre charged Rs 1.2 lakh for others,” Das explained.

Mangala’s success has drawn congratulations from various quarters. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised him for his determination and resilience, stating, “He has proved that success can be achieved even in adverse situations with strong willpower and determination. He is an inspiration for the tribal community.”

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also commended Mangala, saying, “Strong willpower and hard work are the keys to success. Mangala Muduli from Mudulipada Bonda Ghati in Malkangiri District is a shining example of this. His determination has paved the way for him to study medicine. This achievement is a source of inspiration for all. Wishing him a bright future.”

The Bonda tribe, also known as Bondo, Bondas, Bonda Paraja, and Bhonda, are one of the most isolated and traditional tribal groups in India. They are part of the Austro-Asiatic racial stock and speak Remo, an Austro-Asiatic dialect. The Bondas are predominantly found in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, particularly in the Khairaput block.

The name “Bonda” translates to “naked people,” reflecting their traditional attire and lifestyle. Mangala’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the community, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, education and determination can lead to transformative change.

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