J&K's Kupwara bread seller's son scores 650/750 in NEET UG, aims to be a doctor

From kneading dough to cracking medical exams, Sajad Mehraj's journey from a street stall to the NEET ranks is a testament to resilience.

In Short

• Sajad Mehraj scored 650/720 in NEET UG 2024
• Balanced studies with running a family naan stall
• Inspired by a sister pursuing MBBS despite ridicule

Sajad Mehraj, a 19-year-old from the small village of Qaziabad in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, has defied all odds by securing an impressive score of 650 out of 720 in the NEET UG 2024 examination. While most students spend their time attending coaching classes or studying full-time, Sajad balanced his NEET preparation with managing his family's "Naan Patri" stall, where he worked from 4 am to 7 pm daily.

Sajad's daily routine was far from ordinary. “I made about 300 naans a day at the stall and used my breaks to watch online lectures from the Yakeen batch of Physics Wallah,” Sajad shares. “Balancing both was tough, but online classes gave me the flexibility to study at my own pace.” His commitment to education comes from his family’s difficult circumstances, especially after his father’s illness affected their finances.

The young aspirant found his motivation in his elder sister, who is also pursuing an MBBS. She remained a source of inspiration for Sajad throughout his journey, despite being ridiculed by their community. “My father supported our education when others suggested he shouldn’t. Their belief in me kept me going.”

JOURNEY OF CRACKING NEET UG 2024

The journey to cracking NEET was not without its challenges. Sajad recalls the painful moments when people mocked him for attending school while selling naan on the street. "I was told a street seller like me had no place in school, but my sister motivated me to prove them wrong," he says. Her success and their father's support gave Sajad the strength to push through the negativity.

His NEET success has brought immense pride to his family and village. Sajad is the first male doctor from his village, a moment of great significance for the entire community. "When people came by to congratulate me, it felt like all the hard work was worth it,” he recalls with emotion.

Sajad plans to use his medical degree to contribute to rural healthcare, a sector that is severely underdeveloped in his area. “I want to make healthcare more accessible and affordable in my community,” he says, hoping to inspire others from underprivileged backgrounds to dream big.

Reflecting on his journey, Sajad’s message is one of perseverance and resilience. “No challenge is too big if you are determined. I learnt the value of patience, hard work, and time management, and these lessons will shape me as a doctor."

With unwavering determination, Sajad Mehraj has proven that no dream is too distant, even for a boy who once sold naan on the streets.