B Srimathi hails from the Kadinamala Panchayat of Kil Kotagiri, where her father, Balan (45) makes a living as a tea plantation worker while her mother, Radha (42) works as a teacher in the Government local school.
In an exclusive interview with Simplicity, Srimathi said, "Becoming a doctor has been my priority since I always wanted to serve society for free. I will stand true to my words. My mom already does, and is why I chose this field to be among those who serve society."
Srimathi hails from the Irula community in The Nilgiris. She completed Class 10th from St. Antony’s School near Kotagiri, and was the school topper with 484 marks. In her Class 12 Board exams, she secured 406 out of 600 while studying from another private school in the same locality.
Despite completing her school education through the State syllabus, Srimathi, however, had to rely on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books, that is, a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus, to clear NEET.
Interestingly, Srimathi self-prepared to appear for the NEET exams twice. “My parents got me the NCERT books, and I prepared independently. I found a lot of difference from what I had learned in the State syllabus and was having a little trouble in the beginning, but I managed to study with the help of watching videos on YouTube. I don't remember the marks I scored in the last two NEET attempts, but I attended a private coaching centre in Coimbatore to crack my third attempt. I got 370 out of 720 in the third attempt at NEET. I had seats offered in private colleges after all my attempts but my dream was to study in a Government college and that kept me going," reminisces Srimathi.
While Srimathi patiently waited for three years to taste success, she attributes her ability to do so to her parents who she says have always been her backbone. “When I told my parents that even though years may pass, I will fight to be successful, they believed in me and let me pursue my dreams. They have never told me anything that was demotivating and was supportive in all possible ways. While the financial burden seemed to be a concern for my family, they never approached anybody to seek support and enabled me to pursue my education from their earnings. The college fees cost me Rs. 13,610 each year, and for the hostel it cost me Rs. 5,500 monthly. We did not approach anyone for financial support, and we will not. My parents will be able to help me complete my education," stated Srimathi confidently.
Srimathi opines that most of the students and their families in her community are unaware of the benefits of accessing education, and the lack of financial support forces many to drop out after their school education. "I wish to be the light at the end of the tunnel for my community members and inspire them to come forward to pursue education despite financial and other difficulties," concludes Srimathi revealing her inner conviction to reach goals not just for herself but for her community.
Srimathi hails from the Irula community in The Nilgiris. She completed Class 10th from St. Antony’s School near Kotagiri, and was the school topper with 484 marks. In her Class 12 Board exams, she secured 406 out of 600 while studying from another private school in the same locality.
Despite completing her school education through the State syllabus, Srimathi, however, had to rely on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books, that is, a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus, to clear NEET.
Interestingly, Srimathi self-prepared to appear for the NEET exams twice. “My parents got me the NCERT books, and I prepared independently. I found a lot of difference from what I had learned in the State syllabus and was having a little trouble in the beginning, but I managed to study with the help of watching videos on YouTube. I don't remember the marks I scored in the last two NEET attempts, but I attended a private coaching centre in Coimbatore to crack my third attempt. I got 370 out of 720 in the third attempt at NEET. I had seats offered in private colleges after all my attempts but my dream was to study in a Government college and that kept me going," reminisces Srimathi.
While Srimathi patiently waited for three years to taste success, she attributes her ability to do so to her parents who she says have always been her backbone. “When I told my parents that even though years may pass, I will fight to be successful, they believed in me and let me pursue my dreams. They have never told me anything that was demotivating and was supportive in all possible ways. While the financial burden seemed to be a concern for my family, they never approached anybody to seek support and enabled me to pursue my education from their earnings. The college fees cost me Rs. 13,610 each year, and for the hostel it cost me Rs. 5,500 monthly. We did not approach anyone for financial support, and we will not. My parents will be able to help me complete my education," stated Srimathi confidently.
Srimathi opines that most of the students and their families in her community are unaware of the benefits of accessing education, and the lack of financial support forces many to drop out after their school education. "I wish to be the light at the end of the tunnel for my community members and inspire them to come forward to pursue education despite financial and other difficulties," concludes Srimathi revealing her inner conviction to reach goals not just for herself but for her community.