Ranchi, July 22 : In an inspiring story of determination and perseverance, Poonam Kumari, the daughter of a daily-wage labourer from Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district, has cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) with an impressive score of 582 marks, securing a 99.1375 percentile and an All India Rank (AIR) of 16,972.
An alumna of SSLNT CM School of Excellence for Girls, Poonam had earlier topped Dhanbad district in the CBSE Class 12 examinations by scoring 97.4 percent. Despite facing financial hardships, she continued her studies with unwavering dedication and emerged successful in one of India’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.
Following her achievement, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan felicitated Poonam and announced that the district administration would bear the entire cost of her medical education, from admission to completion of her MBBS course. He said that no talented student should be deprived of higher education due to financial constraints and assured all possible support to deserving students.
Poonam’s father, Dharmu Gorai, earns his livelihood as a daily-wage labourer, while her mother, Peepu Devi, is a homemaker. Dreaming of becoming a cardiologist, Poonam said her success was made possible by the constant support of her parents, dedicated teachers and the academic environment provided by the CM School of Excellence. She credited the school’s CBSE-based curriculum, modern facilities and regular guidance for helping her prepare effectively.
She also praised the state government’s School of Excellence initiative, saying it has opened new opportunities for students from economically weaker families by providing access to quality education that was once beyond their reach. According to Poonam, students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds are now able to dream bigger and compete with confidence at the national level.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated Poonam on her achievement, describing it as a proud moment for Jharkhand and an inspiration for thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He said her success proves that talent and determination, when supported with quality education, can overcome poverty and pave the way for a brighter future.
Officials said Poonam’s achievement reflects the growing impact of government-backed educational initiatives in the state, which aim to provide equal learning opportunities and help meritorious students pursue professional careers regardless of their economic background.
