18 year old Samosa Seller from Noida Scores Big in NEET 2024, Aims for Medical Degree
Sunny Kumar, an 18-year-old samosa vendor from Noida, has achieved an extraordinary feat by clearing the NEET UG exam with a score of 664 out of 720. His remarkable journey from managing a street food stall to pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor has captured widespread attention and admiration.
Kumar, who runs a samosa stall in Noida Sector 12, dedicated long hours to his studies despite his demanding work schedule. His day typically included attending school until 2 PM, operating his stall for several hours, and studying late into the night. “Bhaut baar sari raat padai karta tha phir subah aankhein dard karti thi” (I often studied all night and my eyes would hurt in the morning), he shared, highlighting the sacrifices he made to achieve his goal.
Sunny’s passion for medicine stemmed from his curiosity about how medicines could heal people. He explained, “Dawai dekh kar interest aya, log theek kaise hote hain, ye samjhna tha isliye Biology liya” (My interest in medicine grew from wanting to understand how medicines cure people, which led me to choose Biology).
His story gained further prominence when Alakh Pandey, founder of Physics Wallah, featured it on social media. Pandey shared videos of Kumar’s modest living conditions, including his study notes plastered on the walls of his rented room, and even enjoyed a freshly made samosa from Kumar’s stall. Pandey’s post also offered Kumar a scholarship of Rs 6 lakh and committed to covering his medical college tuition fees. “Ham selection par mithai khilate hai magar, Sunny ne apne hath se bana samosa khilaya,” Pandey remarked, underscoring the significance of Kumar’s achievement.
Kumar’s journey is marked by resilience. Despite financial struggles and repeated setbacks, including the demolition of his tea shop, he persevered by setting up a new stall and focusing on his studies. His mother, who works as a daily wage earner, has been a pillar of support throughout his endeavors. Kumar’s dedication has not only earned him a high score in the NEET UG 2024 but also serves as an inspiration to many, proving that determination and hard work can overcome significant obstacles.
The NEET UG exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is one of the largest entrance exams in India, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing in 2024. Kumar’s success story stands out as a testament to his unwavering commitment and the potential for greatness despite challenging circumstances.