MBBS student takes up farm work to fund studies

Bhubaneswar: Ifu Mallick always wanted to be a doctor. Son of daily wagers from Bagramila village in tribal-dominated Kandhamal district, he would see the problem tribals like him faced to fund medical expenses and wanted to serve them in future. But he didn’t realise that money would pose a hurdle in fulfilling his dream.
Undaunted by the challenge, the 21-year-old Mallick, who has cleared NEET in his second attempt, is working as a farm hand and in construction sites to earn enough to finance his hostel fees, having already borrowed Rs 38,950 from his friend’s father to deposit the first year admission fees at the government-run Saheed Laxman Nayak (SLN) Medical College and Hospital in Koraput.
“I am yet to deposit the annual hostel fees of Rs 15,000. Besides, I need Rs 4,000 per month as part of hostel mess charges. I am struggling to arrange the money,” said Mallick, who belongs to the Kondh tribe.
Classes will start from December 15 and he has time till then to submit his hostel fees.
“In the past 10 days, I have earned around Rs 2,000. I am trying to earn as much as I can before classes start. For the rest, I am exploring possibilities of borrowing from well-wishers,” said Mallick, who has three brothers and two sisters.
“My brothers and one of the sisters are married and lead their own life. My parents are not in a position to fund my studies. That’s why I have started doing whatever job I can,” he added.