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Mann Ki Baat:Panipat Class-12 topper tells PM she wants to be a doc

The PM congratulated Kritika on her performance and asked about her aim, source of inspiration and success mantra

Updated on: Jul 27, 2020, 24:45:29 IST
Hindustan Times, Karnal | By , Karnal
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A telephone call from Prime Minister Narender Modi came as a big surprise to Panipat’s Kritika Nandal, who scored 96% marks in CBSE’s Class 12 exams this year.

HT Image
HT Image

In the three-minute conversation which was aired on Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday, the Prime Minister (PM) congratulated Kritika on her performance and asked about her aim, source of inspiration and success mantra.

Kritika Nandal
Kritika Nandal

When Kritika told PM Modi that she wanted to become a doctor, he briefed her about the challenges in life of a doctor, especially in the prevailing situation.

Kritika, however, said she could not share her ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with the PM during their conversation. “I could not tell him about the financial problems we are facing. I want to become a doctor, but it seems very challenging for my widow mother as we have limited source of income.”

Kritika’s father Vinod had died of brain haemorrhage 18 months ago and now, her mother Saroj is struggling to fulfil the dreams of her two children. Kritika is currently preparing for NEET, which has been postponed to September.

“After losing my father, I decided to become a doctor without even giving a thought to our financial condition,” she added.

KRITIKA’S MOTHER SEEKS MORE SUPPORT FOR GIRLS

“My daughter wants to become a doctor and I am working hard to fulfil her dreams, but there is a very tough journey ahead,” said Saroj, who draws widow pension of 2,250 per month and stitches clothes for additional income.

She said Kritika’s school played a major role in her success as the management did not charge any fees and even provided free bus facility to her daughter. “We want the government to extend more support to girls because they have potential,” Saroj added.

  • Neeraj Mohan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Neeraj Mohan

    Neeraj Mohan is a senior journalist with over 18 years of experience in political, agricultural, environmental and ground reporting across Haryana, Punjab, the National Capital Region and National Bureau. Associated with Hindustan Times for over a decade, he has also worked with leading media organisations including The Tribune, The Sunday Guardian and The Financial World. His reporting spans electoral politics, governance, agriculture, farmers’ issues, rural economy, climate change, pollution, and socio-economic challenges affecting communities at the grassroots level. Recognised for his field-based journalism and analytical approach, Neeraj has consistently focused on capturing ground realities while examining the impact of policy decisions on people and institutions. Over the years, he has covered major political developments, agriculture reforms, environmental concerns, and public interest issues, bringing together investigative insights, extensive field reporting and perspectives from farmers, policymakers, experts and stakeholders. His stories aim to bridge the gap between decision-making centres and the people directly affected by them. With a focus on accountability journalism, Neeraj continues to report on issues that shape public discourse, highlighting the intersection of politics, society, environment and development.Read More