In an extraordinary story of perseverance from Tamil Nadu, 49-year-old physiotherapist Amuthavalli Manivannan and her daughter, 18-year-old M Samyuktha, both cleared the NEET exam in 2025. Amuthavalli secured admission to the Government Medical College in Virudhunagar under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) reservation, scoring 147 marks, while Samyuktha scored 450 marks and awaits counselling for admission under the general and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories, intending to study outside Tamil Nadu.
Both of them want to maintain focus on their respective medical courses. Their joint success, reported during the admissions counselling held on July 30, highlights a rare bond of determination, commitment, and the triumph of dreams across generations.
A Testament to Determination and Mutual Inspiration
Amuthavalli’s medical dream, which had been on hold for over three decades, blossomed anew as she witnessed her daughter’s rigorous NEET preparation. Motivated by Samyuktha’s unwavering dedication, Amuthavalli borrowed her daughter’s books and studied alongside her, despite the challenging syllabus and her long hiatus from academic study. She expressed that watching her daughter’s hard work was the greatest source of her own motivation and strength.
Meanwhile, Samyuktha wished to carve her own independent identity by choosing a medical college different from her mother’s, highlighting the mutual respect and encouragement between them. Medical educators and local officials have praised Amuthavalli’s achievement as a beacon of hope for mature students and those living with disabilities, emphasising that neither age nor physical challenges should be considered obstacles when pursuing long-held aspirations.
The Long Road: Background and Systemic Support
More than 30 years ago, Amuthavalli initially aspired to become a medical doctor but had to settle for a career in physiotherapy. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which does not impose an upper age limit for candidates, presented her with a renewed opportunity to pursue her dream.
Moreover, the PwD reservation category facilitated her admission into medical college despite intense competition. Samyuktha, a CBSE board student, attempted NEET for the second consecutive year, significantly improving her score and demonstrating the rewards of perseverance.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) in Tamil Nadu conducted the admission counselling offline on July 30, incorporating multiple special reservation categories such as PwD and government school quotas, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity and equity in medical education for aspirants from diverse backgrounds.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartening narrative underscores The Logical Indian’s dedication to lifelong learning, resilience, and the critical role inclusive policies play in transforming lives through education. It is an inspiring reminder that strong family support combined with progressive systemic provisions can help break down barriers related to age, disability, and circumstance.
Amuthavalli’s journey encourages society to rethink preconceived notions about when ambition can be pursued, reinforcing that the quest for knowledge is timeless. As advocates of empathy, harmony, and social progress, we view this story as a powerful call to action for communities and institutions to further nurture environments where educational dreams, regardless of when they begin, are valued and supported.
