Let Saranya’s achievement show the way

When Dr Saranya Mohan from the tribal region of Kannampady in Idukki joins duty as an Assistant Surgeon at Upputhara Community Health Centre (CHC), it becomes a historic and proud moment for Kerala. Saranya earned her MBBS degree after overcoming difficult circumstances in the forest region of Kannampady. A bright student, she turned every hardship and lack of resources into motivation. Her achievement proves that dreams can be realised through determination and hard work. Her appointment at a health centre in her own region is a matter of pride for the entire locality.

Saranya is the only daughter of K.N. Mohanan and Minimol of 'Unnathi', Punnappara. The name of her house, 'Unnathi', itself is meaningful. It was Sree Narayana Guru's teachings that showed the country that one can reach greater heights only through education and knowledge.

His call to become enlightened through education has been reflected in the educational progress made by many disadvantaged and backward communities in Kerala. Saranya scored 90 per cent in Class 10 and 88 per cent in Plus Two. Becoming a doctor was her main goal. An MBBS entrance examination coaching class conducted at her school while she was studying in Plus Two helped her take an important step towards achieving that dream. Saranya gained admission to Palakkad Medical College for MBBS by securing the 23rd rank in the tribal category in the 2019 entrance examination. She completed her MBBS with a first class. Several prominent personalities, including SC/ST and Backward Classes Minister K.A. Thulasi, have congratulated Saranya, the first doctor from the Urali tribal community.

There are many students who fail to focus on their studies despite having every possible opportunity. Some lose their way due to the distractions and pressures of their age, friends and surroundings. In doing so, they disappoint parents who work hard and even borrow money to provide their children with a good education and future. Such students should take a close look at Saranya's journey. She rose to great heights through education from a remote forest region where even proper roads were not available. Government departments and authorities should not limit their efforts to providing food and shelter to tribal communities. They should also identify talented children among them and help them reach greater heights through education. Many tribal areas still lack even basic facilities.

Recently, heavy rain blocked the roads in Edamalakkudy, forcing local residents to carry a sick man for several kilometres on foot through the forest to reach medical care. The elderly man, Malayappan, a resident of Koodallar settlement in Edamalakkudy grama panchayat, had been bedridden for a week with severe fever, stomach pain and body pain. Residents carried him through a forest route to Aanakulam before taking him by autorickshaw to Adimali Taluk Hospital. Kannampady's tribal region faces conditions similar to those in Edamalakkudy. It is from such a region that Dr Saranya has now emerged to bring hope and relief through her service in the healthcare sector. Students should draw inspiration from her journey and understand the importance of education in achieving greater heights. This is only a beginning. May countless others from future generations follow the path that Saranya has shown.