In Kasaragod district, Kerala, 47-year-old Juwana Abdulla achieved a noteworthy milestone by clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in her first attempt and enrolling in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. Her journey spans a long pause in formal studies, a supportive medical-family environment, and a revived ambition to return to the health-care field.
Originally from Kanhangad in Kasaragod, Juwana had begun postgraduate studies in medical pharmacology after completing a BSc in zoology. Her studies were interrupted when her father passed away and soon after by marriage in 2000. She chose to stop her studies after marriage and raised a family of four children. Her husband, Dr K.P. Abdulla, is an ENT surgeon, and each of the couple’s older children pursue medical professional education.
In 2022, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) having lifted the 25-year age limit for NEET UG eligibility, Juwana decided to restart her academic journey. She used online resources and her children’s study materials instead of formal coaching.
Her family is her biggest supporter. Her husband Dr Abdulla K P, and ENT surgeon is working in District hospital, daughter Dr Mariyam Aafrin Abdulla is doing her internship in Thiruvananthapuram government Medical college. Her sons Salih Abdurrazak and Salman Abdul Qadir are pursuing medicine at third year and second year respectively in different medical colleges. Therefore, she had enough source of education material.
Juwana cleared NEET in her first attempt and selected a dental college located roughly half an hour from her home in Kasaragod. She didn't want to move away from home and want to be available for the family as much as possible.
A similar story of Jay Kishore Pradhan, a 64-year-old retired State Bank of India deputy manager from Odisha, who cleared the NEET-UG examination in 2020. Despite having completed his working career, Pradhan chose to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a doctor and secured admission to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Sambalpur, Odisha. His journey drew national attention at the time for highlighting how age and profession need not limit one’s passion for medicine.
Juwana will now balance student-life alongside family and home commitments. She expects to integrate studies with her daily routine, and emphasises that age should not deter those aspiring to join health professions. Her journey may also serve as encouragement for others who took earlier pauses in their education or careers.
(Rh/TL)
