Once A Child Bride, Rupa Yadav Is Now Set To Be A Doctor

When she got married to Shankar Lal at the age of 8, Rupa Yadav probably never thought of having a career ahead. Today, aged 20, Rupa is looking forward to taking up a career in medicine after she cracked the CBSE's National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET) 2017.

Rupa, who hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan, is able to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor as she has the full support of her husband and in-laws. Shankar was in Class 7 in Kareri village in Jaipur when he married Rupa and the two have practically grown up together.

Now, when Rupa scored 603 in the NEET and is attending counselling for the admissions, her husband and in-laws are motivating her to pursuing the dream. She is also enrolled in a coaching institute in Kota with hopes of getting admission in a government-run college.

Rupa Yadav - Child bride set to become a doctor (Photo Credit: Deccan Herald)

The youngest of five siblings, Rupa was in Class 3 when she tied the knot. Thankfully, the in-laws -- especially her brother-in-law Babulal -- are supportive in her quest for education.

Also Read: Survey Reveals, Despite a Decline Child Marriages Still Remain Common

“I scored 84 per cent in my Class X examinations. Everyone, including our neighbours and relatives, told my in-laws to let me continue my education and they agreed. I am very thankful for their support,” Rupa, who cleared the test in her third attempt, told The Indian Express.

Rupa with husband Shankar (Photo Credit: Indiatimes.com)

Rupa studied in a private school, located 6 km from her village in Kareri. She proved her mettle when she scored 81 per cent and 84 per cent marks in her Class XI and Class XII exams.

"I would often think of my mother and the struggles of a life reduced to household chores and think I can’t let that happen to myself,” Rupa said, News18 reported.

Ask her why she decided to become a doctor and Rupa narrates how she lost her uncle due to a cardiac arrest and did not get proper medical assistance. This very incident pushed her to do something in life that would be of help others.

ALSO READ: This Kolkata Girl Stopped Child Marriage, Fears Going To School Now

Rupa scored 415 marks and ranked 23,000 in her first attempt at the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). In her last attempt at NEET, she had scored 503.

"Though I did not qualify for a good government medical college, the AIPMT marks encouraged my husband and brother-in-law to send me to Kota to prepare for the MBBS entrance test," Rupa said.

“My in-laws, like my parents, are farmers. The income from farming is meagre. So, my husband started plying a cargo taxi to sponsor my education,” said Rupa.

Though her family supported her coaching in Kota, it was difficult for them. After clearing the NEET, Rupa was assured a scholarship from the coaching centre to complete her MBBS.

Though the Allen Coaching institute helped with 75 per cent of the fee, it was still hard for her family to afford the remaining fee and accommodation at Kota.

Read Also: Would Be Child Bride, Now School Topper

Child marriage is an illegal practice in the country, yet it is rampant in rural Rajasthan. Hope Rupa’s example will inspire others like her not just to complete their education, but carve a niche for themselves too.

Read Also: Comprehending the risks of child marriage

Feature Image Credit: Atimanarj News

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