Koraput: Nineteen-year-old Nabesh Sabar, hailing from the primitive Lanjia Soura tribe, has become the second person from a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state to crack the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Nabesh, a resident of Keraba village under Gunupur block in Rayagada district, will study MBBS at Vimsar, Burla.
Nabesh’s success follows that of Mangala Muduli, from the Bonda tribe of Malkangiri district, who secured sixth rank in the tribal list and secured admission to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur.
Nabesh, who hails from a marginal farmer family, completed his primary education at Ambabadi Primary School before shifting to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Therubali for his secondary education.
“After completing my Class X at JNV, I had the opportunity to pursue my studies at JNV Pune, where my teachers encouraged me to take the NEET as I was good in academics. I secured 81% in my Class XII board examination,” said Nabesh.
Nabas credits his success to the support of his family and to his mentors Anup Kumar and Manish Kabrai of a private coaching centre in Pune where he got free coaching for NEET.
“I have witnessed how my community people, under the influence of superstitions, rely on traditional healing methods instead of seeking proper medical care. After completing my studies, I want to work for my community and improve healthcare services in the area. I aim to raise awareness among tribals to trust doctors over traditional healers,” Nabeh said.
Ishak Badnayak, from the Gadaba tribe in Lamataput, Koraput district, has also cleared NEET and secured admission to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. Ishak hails from a marginal farmer family of Hanumal village under Ankadeli panchayat.

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