Unni to become another doctor from tribal community after Praveena; proud moment for modern Kerala

THIRUNELLI: Unni from Nagamana tribal colony entered the gate of Ernakulam Medical College on Saturday with his head held high. Praveena waited with great pride to welcome her native to the campus.

Unni, who belongs to Adiya category, ranked first in ST category in the All India Medical Entrance Examination (NEET) for MBBS. He is the son of Karian and Javani. Praveena, daughter of Babu and Shantha of Narangakunnu colony in Kattikulam in Thirunelli panchayath, joined here last year for MBBS.

Earlier, if we went to Thirunelli, we could see Adiya kids wandering in the fields in search of crab burrows. Some kids were seen grazing cattles of landlords in the fields. Now, these are all old stories. These children have become a great model of modern Kerala. In particular, the tribal children in Wayanad. There are many children in the tribal areas who are determined to study hard to reach out to the mainstream of society. Unni was well aware of his suffering and hunger and he overcame all obstacles with confidence. His primary education was at the Ashram School in Thirunelli forest.

He gained good marks in SSLC and continued his education at Ambedkar Memorial Model Residential School, Nallurnad. Unni was a model student there. Then he studied at Mananthavady Mary Mata Arts and Science College. With the help of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department, he prepared for NEET examination at a private training centre in Pala. His hardwork paid off. He desires to be the village's doctor.

Unni is also a good artist, he is an actor and a playwright. Suresh, Biju, Ravi, Preeja and Madhu (Kattikulam Higher Secondary School student) are his siblings.