Girl from orphanage clears NEET
Someone who is abandoned by her family at four, along with a year-old kid brother, and reared at an orphanage would elicit pity perhaps even years later: Not much would be expected of such a child, given how cruel fate was to her. But meet Shabana Shaikh, who has set an example for many others like her. Now 22 years old, the feisty girl didn’t allow circumstances to dampen her spirits, and recently secured a seat in a medical college after cleaning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, thus achieving the first step towards realizing her dream of becoming a doctor.
Shabana was found with her brother at a Mumbai hospital around 18 years ago and was brought to an orphanage in Badlapur. Though the girl had initially clammed up, keeping to herself and not speaking to anyone, the staff could see that she was clever, outshining the other children her age in assigned educational tasks. But little did they think that the child would do the institution proud on the day. “Shabana always showed exemplary performance at studies. Later on, we encouraged her to pursue any field of her choice. She always said she wanted to be a doctor. Little did we realize that one day she would surprise us all, “ said Padma Gudhe, superintendent at Bombay Teen Challenge orphanage.
Shabana, who is fond of singing, told TOI she was encouraged to take up medicine by the orphanage trustees, who ensured she was never deprived of adequate study material. She had attempted NEET two years ago too but wasn’t satisfied with her score. So she re-attempted the test last year, and go a place in an Aurangabad college.
“I don’t remember my biological family who left me and my brother to fend for ourselves. Instead of looking back and pitying myself for that, I focussed on creating a better future for myself and the orphanage, which is now my family and has supported me throughout. My friends here are proud of me. They have always helped me with routine chores so that I could focus on my studies. Because of them, I could study for eight to ten hours at a stretch, daily, and prepare for the medical entrance exam, “ said Shabana, who wants to specialize n gynecology and serve society.
Social activists say the girl has set an example for others to emulate as many facing a similar situation in life often tend to lose hope and waver from their ambitions.
Shabana’s achievement has drawn the attention of Thane collector Rajesh Narvekar, who recently felicitated her and assured assistance, whenever required.
Source : TOI
