Malout teen cobbles up NEET success story

Beating the odds, Jatin (18), son of a cobbler from Ravidas Nagar in Malout town, has cracked the NEET-UG examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 7,191 and secured the 170th rank in the SC category. The results were declared on June 14.

Jatin’s father, Dharamvir, works at a local unit making “juttis” (traditional footwear), while his two younger brothers are studying in Classes VII and IX. His mother is a homemaker and suffers from health issues. The family lives in a two-room house, one of which was built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

An alumnus of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Warring Khera, Jatin’s journey is a story of grit and determination. He qualified for a free residential coaching programme and prepared for the NEET-UG exam in Pune without placing any financial burden on the family.

“I want to study at the AIIMS, Rishikesh, because the fee there is minimal, while education is world-class,” he said.

Sending out a message to other aspirants, Jatin said, “Just keep trying. Never lose hope. Parents should also support their children in pursuing what they truly want to do in life.”

His story has become an inspiration for many in the locality, with people from all walks of life visiting to congratulate him.