Selling naan and cracking NEET, Kupwara teen takes lead in achieving dreams

Srinagar, Oct 15: Determination, desire, will, and struggle. If a man holds on to these, he will inevitably achieve his impossible-looking dream. The 19-year-old Sajad Mehraj from remote north Kashmir's Kupwara has proved it with an extraordinary feat.

Sajad, who sells bread even as he juggles his studies has scored an impressive score of 650 out of 750 marks, reported Hindustan Times.

His dedication and unwavering commitment have proven that determination knows no bounds.

Overcoming challenges

In a YouTube video, Sajad candidly shares his journey, reminiscing of how he overcame demotivation from a classmate who questioned the purpose of his education.

"Why allow street sellers to enter the school? What would they achieve by doing so?” the discouraging words echoed in his mind. However, the encouragement from his sister, the first doctor in their village, spurred him on, pushing him to defy expectations and prove his detractors wrong.

Balancing work and study

Sajad’s daily routine is a testament to his resilience. Working seven to eight hours daily at his stall, he prepares around 300 breads while simultaneously engaging in online lectures.

His day starts at 4 AM, and he often returns home by 7 PM, exemplifying the struggle and sacrifice required to pursue his dreams.

Since the fourth grade, Sajad has been involved in various family businesses, including running a footwear and crockery stall alongside his brother.

Following his father's illness, Sajad stepped up to support his family by launching his own naan stall.

Despite these hardships, Sajad excelled academically, topping his local cluster in the eighth grade and earning a scholarship from the Kashmir Education Initiative in the ninth grade.

The headmaster of his school even purchased a discounted course from Physics Wallah for ₹2,000 to help him pursue his medical aspirations.

A family legacy of education

Sajad's drive is further fuelled by his elder sister, who also cleared the NEET examination and is currently a second-year MBBS student at GMC, Srinagar.

His father's encouragement has been vital; despite limited formal education, he has always prioritised his children's studies. When a neighbour suggested withdrawing his daughter from school, their father refused, allowing her to pursue her dreams, and ultimately paving the way for Sajad to follow suit.

Sajad is now set to join the Government Medical College in Handwara, where he will continue his journey toward becoming a doctor.

This remarkable young man’s story is not just about success; it’s a beacon of hope for many aspiring students facing similar challenges.