From the Kannur Aralam Farm, where life has long been shaped by hardship and resilience, emerges a story of grit, hope, and triumph. Unnimaya, daughter of C.R. Mohanan and Bindu, both daily wage workers, has secured admission for MBBS at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College in Wayanad—becoming the first tribal student from the Aralam Rehabilitation area to pursue a medical degree.
A member of the Karimbala community, Ms. Unnimaya will begin her MBBS studies at the medical college on Monday (October 6)—a moment that marks not just a personal milestone but a collective victory for an entire community. Her journey to medical school is one of determination and sacrifice.
Two years ago, she was pursuing a BDS course at Malabar Dental College. Yet, her dream of becoming an MBBS doctor burned so strongly that she made the difficult decision to quit dentistry and start afresh. “My heart was always set on becoming an MBBS doctor,” she told The Hindu. “It was not an easy choice, but I knew I had to try again.”
After leaving the course, she spent two years studying independently at her home, joining a coaching centre only two months before the final examination. Her hard work paid off when she secured the 37th rank in the Scheduled Tribe category at the State level.
Her parents, both daily wage labourers at Aralam Farm, initially opposed her decision to drop out of dental school, fearing the risks. But when they saw her determination, they rallied behind her. “We didn’t have much, but we wanted her to achieve what we never could,” says her father, Mohanan.
Ms. Unnimaya completed her high school education at Irrity High School and pursued science at Kaniyambetta Model Residential School. She credits much of her motivation to Jithin, the hostel watchman who first inspired her to pursue a career in medicine while she was staying at the pre-matric hostel in Irrity. “He used to talk to me about the possibilities of becoming a doctor. That conversation changed my life,” she recalled.
Though she describes herself as an average student, her journey shows that consistent effort and the right guidance can break barriers. “After studying in dental college, I realised language is not an obstacle. Any tribal student can pursue higher education if properly motivated and guided by parents and schools,” she said, adding that her biggest dream is to serve her community as a doctor.
Her success has brought joy and pride to the entire rehabilitation area. Forest department officials from the Kannur Rapid Forest Response Team visited her home to honour her achievement. Kottiyoor range officer T. Nithinraj presented her with a gold medal, while Kannur divisional forest officer (DFO) Vysakh Sasi announced that she would receive a steady incentive grant from the Kannur Forest Development Agency.
“This recognition of a student from the Aralam Rehabilitation Area will inspire many more to pursue education and believe in their potential,” the DFO said.
For Aralam, long associated with displacement and struggle, Unnimaya’s success stands as a symbol of transformation—proof that perseverance can turn even the most modest beginnings into a story of remarkable success. “My journey has just begun. I want to serve my people and show that nothing is impossible if you truly believe in your dreams,” Ms. Unnimaya said.