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In a story that blends perseverance, familial support, and the rekindling of long-held dreams, a 49-year-old physiotherapist and her teenage daughter from Tamil Nadu have both cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), setting the stage for two parallel journeys into medicine. While the mother has secured a seat in a government medical college, the daughter awaits her turn through general counselling, determined to chart her own path.
Key highlights from the milestone moment
- Amuthavalli Manivannan, a physiotherapist from Tenkasi, scored 147 marks in NEET and qualified under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category
- Her daughter, M Samyuktha Krupalini, a CBSE student, scored 450 marks and is competing in the general quota, also eligible under the SC category
- Amuthavalli has opted to join the Government Medical College in Virudhunagar, close to her native district
- Samyuktha, while proud of her mother’s achievement, prefers to study in a different college to maintain academic independence
This rare dual success story has captured public imagination, highlighting the power of shared ambition and mutual encouragement.
A dream deferred, now realized
- Amuthavalli had aspired to study medicine three decades ago but was unable to pursue it due to financial and personal constraints
- She chose physiotherapy as an alternative and built a career in the field, but the desire to become a doctor never faded
- Watching her daughter prepare for NEET reignited her ambition, prompting her to borrow textbooks and begin her own preparation
- Despite the syllabus being vastly different from her school days, she persevered with late-night study sessions and guidance from her daughter
Her journey underscores that age is no barrier when determination and support align.
The daughter’s role as mentor and peer
- Samyuktha enrolled in a coaching class and used active recall techniques, often explaining concepts aloud to reinforce her learning
- This method inadvertently helped her mother grasp complex topics, turning their home into a collaborative learning space
- Samyuktha’s academic discipline and clarity of purpose inspired Amuthavalli to take the plunge and register for NEET
- While they studied together, both maintained distinct goals and approaches, respecting each other’s pace and aspirations
Their dynamic reflects a unique blend of mentorship and companionship, rarely seen in competitive academic settings.
Family support and social context
- The duo received unwavering support from Amuthavalli’s husband, a practicing lawyer, who encouraged both to pursue their medical dreams
- The family’s openness to unconventional choices and shared responsibilities played a crucial role in enabling this achievement
- Their success comes at a time when Tamil Nadu’s medical counselling process is underway, with special categories like PwD and government school quotas being prioritized
- The Directorate of Medical Education and Research conducted offline counselling on July 30, where Amuthavalli secured her seat
This context adds depth to their story, situating it within broader efforts to democratize access to medical education.
Looking ahead
- Amuthavalli will begin her MBBS journey at Virudhunagar Medical College, advancing her career from physiotherapy to full-fledged medicine
- Samyuktha is awaiting her counselling outcome and hopes to study outside the state, aiming for a reputed institution through the general quota
- Both are expected to start their academic sessions later this year, marking the beginning of two distinct but equally inspiring paths
- Their story has already begun to inspire others in Tenkasi and beyond, especially women who may have shelved their dreams due to life’s demands
Conclusion
The tale of Amuthavalli and Samyuktha is more than a feel-good headline—it’s a testament to resilience, intergenerational learning, and the transformative power of education. As they prepare to enter medical colleges, not as mother and daughter but as peers in pursuit of healing, their journey stands as a beacon for anyone who believes that it’s never too late to begin again.
Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, Tribune India, MSN India, Economic Times Health, PTI, IANS, Directorate of Medical Education and Research Tamil Nadu
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