It is a matter of great pride that Dr. Devendra Naik, who hails from Anantapur, was presented with the Young Achiever’s Award for 2020-21 for Best Contribution in the Healthcare Sector and in recognition of Outstanding Professional Achievement and Contribution in Nation Building by the Indian Achievers’ Forum, Delhi last week.

Dr. Ramavath Devendra Naik is currently working as a consultant medical oncologist at Omega Hospital in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. As a first-generation student from a humble family of farmers, Dr. Naik has paved his way to success through hard work and grit.

Dr. Devendra Naik at his office in Omega Hospitals. ©Dr. Naik

“When I was a child, my family and most of my neighbors were living in thatched houses which used to leak during monsoons. We did not have proper drinking water or toilet facilities. Such was our life. Thankfully, I was able to complete my primary education from the only English medium school in our village,” Dr. Naik remembers.

When resources are limited, dreams often get stifled: a fact that families in marginalized communities know all too well. But with support and encouragement, these dreams can come true. Dr. Naik received education and healthcare assistance from RDT from the time he was in 4th grade, while his family received the support of RDT’s Ecology and Sustainable Livelihoods sector to make their farming more productive.

The turning point of Dr. Naik’s in his life was RDT’s Special Education Scholarship.

“I always had big dreams since I was a child but due to our financial constraints, I was not sure of achieving them. I had secured good marks in my 10th grade which could get me into any college of my choice. My parents were supportive but they had struggled to provide us with basic education, so supporting our higher education seemed like a tough challenge,” shares Dr. Naik. “I always dreamt of joining the medical stream but with my financial status, it felt impossible.”

Dr. Naik presenting his research at 51st Annual Congress of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology in France. ©Dr. Naik

Every year, RDT accepts applications for the Special Education Scholarships from students who have completed their 10th grade exams. The goal is to fund the higher education of meritorious students from underprivileged families at reputable institutions. Dr. Naik was a recipient of this scholarship.

“I still remember the day when the Director for RDT Education for Transformation came to my village and notified me that I was granted the scholarship. I was on cloud nine. It was the happiest moment of my life till then. The scholarship made it possible for me to get into a medical school.”

Dr. Naik consistently worked hard to achieve his dreams. He completed his MBBS from JIPMER, Puducherry and went on to pursue his MD at AIIMS, Delhi, where became a Senior Resident with the Department of Medical Oncology. In 2019, he was awarded a grant to present his research at the 51st Annual Congress of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology in France.

Dr. Naik sharing his experiences at a meeting for the recipients of RDT Special Education Scholarship few years ago. ©Nagappa/RDT

“Education always plays a major role in one’s life. It makes you self-reliant, gives you confidence and self-respect. In my opinion a person’s worth is not measured by his wealth or his background but by his education. Hailing from an illiterate family, I know the value of education and its power to bring about change,” states Dr. Naik.

Text: Aina Valldaura and Felita Viegas, adapted by Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA