Sambalpur : A story of unwavering determination and a shining example of the transformative power of education has emerged from the rural heartland of Odisha.
Leeza Majhi, a daughter of a small farmer, has successfully qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025 and secured admission to the prestigious MBBS program at Government Medical College & Hospital, Sundargarh.
Her remarkable journey, from a humble village to a medical college, is a beacon of hope for countless girls from marginalized communities.
Leeza’s journey began in Uchkapat village, where she belongs to the Kisan (ST) community. In 2021, she enrolled at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Bamra-IV, a special residential school initiative by the Government of India.
It was here, in a safe and supportive environment, that her academic aspirations were ignited. The KGBV provided her with a free residential education and the necessary mentoring and holistic support that laid the groundwork for her success.
After completing her Class IX and X at KGBV, Leeza continued her academic pursuit at Odisha Adarsh Vidyalay (OAV), Bamra, where she scored an impressive 82% in her matriculation.
Her relentless dedication led her to OAV (Iconic) Bhubaneswar for her +2 Science, where she achieved an 81.6%. Her perseverance bore fruit in 2025 when she cracked NEET and secured a seat to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
Leeza’s success is a powerful testament to the impact of the KGBV program, which aims to provide quality education to underprivileged and out-of-school adolescent girls.
Her journey underscores the fact that with the right opportunities and support, girls from even the most disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve their dreams. School authorities at KGBV expressed immense pride in her achievement, calling it not just an individual victory but a symbol of hope for girls across rural Odisha. They believe her story will inspire many more to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
The news of Leeza’s success has been met with widespread joy and celebration in her village and across the state. Her achievement stands as a powerful reminder that education is indeed the most powerful tool for empowerment and can change lives for generations.