In a remarkable achievement for the Didayi community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of Odisha, Champa Raspeda has made  her name in history. She has become the first student from her tribe to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025 and secure admission into Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital, Balasore. The news has brought pride not only to her family and village but also to the entire Didayi community, which has long remained on the margins of mainstream education.

Roots in Malkangiri: A Story of Humble Beginnings

Champa hails from Amlibeda village under Nakamamundi Gram Panchayat of Korukonda block in Malkangiri district. Her father, Lachmu Raspeda, is a marginal farmer, while her mother is a homemaker. Life in the remote tribal-dominated region has always been tough, with families relying on shifting cultivation, forest gathering, and small-scale farming for survival. Financial constraints often limit educational opportunities for children in these communities, but Champa’s determination never wavered. Despite the hardships, she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor — a dream that seemed distant for most girls of her background.

Education Against All Odds

Champa began her early schooling at the PVTG Girls’ Education Complex in Nandiniguda (Khairput block), established under the SC & ST Development (SSD) Department. She later studied at SSD Girls’ High School, Chitrakonda, completing her matriculation in 2019, and went on to pursue Plus II science at the SSD school in Govindpally. However, financial struggles at home forced her to discontinue her BSc studies. It was at this critical juncture that her former science teacher, Utkala Keshari Dash, stepped in to guide her. With his mentorship, Champa joined free NEET coaching classes in Balasore, a decision that proved life-changing.

The Didayi Tribe: A Community in Transition

The Didayis are among the 13 PVTGs of Odisha, living mainly in the Kudumulugumma and Khairput blocks of Malkangiri district. Known for their distinct culture, language, and traditions, the Didayis have historically depended on subsistence farming and forest-based livelihoods. Access to education, healthcare, and modern facilities has been limited due to the community’s geographical isolation and socio-economic disadvantages. The literacy rate within the tribe remains among the lowest in Odisha. In this context, Champa’s achievement is not just personal but also historic, as it represents the gradual entry of her community into mainstream professional education .

A Daughter of the Soil

Beyond the headlines and official statements, Champa’s journey is deeply human. She represents the aspirations of many tribal girls who often have to sacrifice their dreams because of poverty, distance, or social barriers. Her decision to pursue medicine was not just about personal ambition but about giving back to her community, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge. For her father, who worked hard as a marginal farmer, and her mother, who managed the household with meager resources, and for the children of her village, she has become a living example that education can open doors that once seemed permanently closed. With admission to Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital, Balasore, Champa is now preparing to begin her medical studies. 

Champa Raspeda’s success in NEET 2025 is more than just an academic achievement. It is a symbol of possibility for marginalized communities, a reminder that dreams can flourish even in the remotest corners of the country. As Odisha celebrates its newest medical student, Champa’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with determination, guidance, and support, even the most vulnerable groups can carve a path to empowerment and inspire generations to come.