Kozhikode: A 29-year-old man from Kalikavu has turned his dream into reality through hard work and determination. After becoming an Ayurveda doctor by working as a daily wage labourer, Irshad is now stepping into another milestone — pursuing an MBBS degree, once again relying on his own efforts to support his education.
Irshad is the son of Abdul Azeez and Khairunnisa of Pallisseri Thekkedath Karippayi house in Kalikavu. As his father, who worked as a daily wage labourer, found it difficult to manage the expenses of his education, Irshad decided to take responsibility for his own studies.
During his Plus Two days, he started working by selling ice cream. Later, his hard work extended to sand mining, hotel jobs, construction work, and making cement blocks. With the income earned through these jobs, he continued his education and secured an Ayurveda medical degree in his first attempt.
While working as an Ayurveda doctor and treating patients, a new ambition grew in his mind — to study MBBS as well. However, Irshad did not want to use money received from his patients to fund his dream. He once again returned to the path of hard work to arrange his educational expenses.
Under the state government’s DA (Diploma/AYUSH category) reservation provision, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani graduates are provided 11 MBBS seats annually in Kerala. Irshad focused on the two seats allotted to Kozhikode Medical College.
He joined NEET coaching in Kozhikode, attending only two or three classes a week and dedicating the remaining time to self-study. To meet his expenses during preparation, he tried various small businesses, including selling oil products and making pickles, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
Irshad did not give up. With the support of his mother, he started a homemade snacks business involving women in his family. While his family members prepared the snacks, Irshad focused on finding markets and selling the products.
When the NEET results were announced, Irshad secured the second rank in the DA reservation category list. He went to Kozhikode Medical College along with his mother and completed his admission process. His MBBS classes are expected to begin soon.
Irshad’s journey from a daily wage worker to an Ayurveda doctor and now an MBBS student reflects his determination, perseverance, and commitment to achieving his dreams despite financial challenges.
