Kulgam, August 2025 — In a landmark achievement, Heena Chaudhary, a young aspirant from a tribal community in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, has scripted history by becoming the first tribal girl from the region to crack the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
The trailblazer has secured admission to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course at the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, marking a moment of pride not only for her family but also for the entire tribal community in the Valley.
Born and brought up in a modest household, Heena’s success story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. With limited resources but unwavering focus, she cleared one of the toughest competitive exams in India, paving the way for many young tribal girls to dream beyond conventional boundaries.
“This is not just my success — it is the success of my community and every girl who dreams of wearing a doctor’s white coat one day,” said an emotional Heena after receiving her admission letter.
Local residents, educationists, and social activists have hailed her achievement as a milestone for women empowerment and education in tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir. Her success, they believe, will inspire many underprivileged students to aim higher in academics and professional careers.
Officials from the district administration and faculty members of GMC Anantnag have also congratulated Heena, describing her achievement as a “turning point” in the education landscape of tribal girls in Kashmir
