Guwahati: Martina Tudu, a girl from the Santal community in Assam, has made history by becoming the first Santal girl to earn an MBBS degree.
Hailing from Ajarbari hamlet in Hojai district, she completed her medical education at Tezpur Medical College.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Martina Tudu on earning her MBBS degree from Tezpur Medical College – the first Santal girl from Assam to achieve this milestone,” BTR Chief Pramod Bodo posted on social media.
Bodo said, “Her inspiring journey reflects the growing empowerment of marginalized communities in Assam, and motivates us to continue working for holistic, inclusive development of all communities of Assam & BTR.”
State Education Minister Ranoj Pegu congratulated Tudu on her achievement, praising her perseverance and dedication to education.
Dr. Tudu’s achievement is being celebrated as a moment of immense pride not just for her family, but for the entire Santal community in Assam and beyond.
Tudu’s achievement serves as a powerful beacon of hope and a source of profound inspiration for young Santhal girls throughout the region.
Her journey from a rural village to obtaining a degree in medicine stands as a compelling testament to unwavering determination and relentless hard work.
The Santhal people are one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily found in the eastern states, with the highest concentrations in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They also have a significant presence in Bihar and Assam.
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In Assam, the Santal community is not recognized as a distinct tribe but is instead grouped under the broader category of ‘Tea Tribes of Assam’.
The Santal community in the state has been demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) like those in the rest of the country. In Assam, the Santal community falls under the OBC category.
