Koustav Chakraborty
I am Koustav Chakraborty, currently an MBBS intern at Calcutta National Medical College. I live in Mahispota, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata–700113. I come from a lower middle-class family. My father, Kartick Chakraborty, works as a bus driver at Narayana School, and my mother is a homemaker. Despite financial limitations, I always had a strong desire to pursue higher education in medicine. I qualified NEET UG 2021–22 and secured admission to Calcutta National Medical College, which was a major milestone in my life. However, the journey was not easy. From my very first year, I faced significant financial challenges. The demanding nature of the MBBS course left me with no opportunity to earn and support myself, which added pressure on my family. A turning point came during my third year, when I learned about Mukti’s ‘Talented Students Scholarship’ from a friend. I applied for the scholarship and, fortunately, was selected. Through Mukti, the Guarden State Cultural Association awarded me this scholarship. This support changed my life. It helped me manage my academic expenses, college fees, and daily needs. My financial burden was significantly reduced, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies without constant worry. Mukti and my sponsor GSCA stood by me during one of the most challenging phases of my life. Today, I have successfully completed my 4.5-year MBBS course and have begun my internship. This achievement is not mine alone—it is the result of my family’s sacrifices and the generous support of Mukti and GSCA. I will never have enough words to express my gratitude to Mukti and GSCA. Without their support, I might not have come this far. In the future, once I establish myself in my career, I aspire to support underprivileged students like me. That, I believe, will be the true way to give back and express my gratitude. This journey has taught me that with the right support and determination, even the most difficult paths can lead to success.