Last evening (June 14, 2025) brought with it a cascade of emotions across the country as the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) were declared. For thousands of aspirants, the wait culminated in overwhelming joy and tears of happiness. Names glowing under the cut-off list turned into celebrations, as many young boys and girls saw their years of effort blossom into success. Indeed, like new buds turning into blooming flowers, these brilliant students are now on their path to becoming doctors—a title not merely a profession, but a role that holds a divine resemblance, a character next only to God.
Becoming a doctor is not just about clearing an exam; it is a commitment to humanity, a life of service, discipline, and empathy. These students, who have qualified, deserve heartfelt congratulations. Their success is a result of not just their academic efforts but also the silent sacrifices of their families—long hours of study, emotional struggles, financial strain, and unwavering support. May these future doctors remain humble, grounded, and driven to serve with sincerity and compassion.
However, amidst the celebrations, there is also silence in many homes—a silence heavy with disappointment and tears. For those who couldn’t find their names on the list this time, the sense of defeat can be unbearable. Their parents, who toiled day and night, arranging everything from coaching fees to emotional support, now find themselves holding shattered dreams. The sorrow is real, but it must not translate into blame or harsh words.
To those parents: do not rebuke or punish your children for this momentary setback. The path to success is often lined with trials. Remember the words of the American author Ernest Hemingway: “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” This powerful line reminds us that while failure may knock us down, it must not take away our will to rise again. It is not a lack of capability that leads to failure, but sometimes merely the absence of luck, timing, or strategy. What is needed is consistency, not condemnation.
I recall a close relative’s son who, despite putting in great effort for two consecutive years, couldn’t make it. His parents, especially my sister-in-law and her husband, wept in despair. But I want to remind them—and many like them—this is not the end. This is a pause, not a full stop. Allah, the Almighty, has destined every soul with a unique journey. This might not be his time, but his time will come.
In the era of social media, platforms like Facebook are flooded with videos and interviews of successful students. While these serve to inspire, they also unintentionally wound those who didn’t make it. Let us be mindful—celebration is beautiful, but sensitivity is crucial. Not every student in the hostel room qualified; let us not let our celebrations turn into salt on someone else’s wounds.
To the students who couldn’t clear the exam this time, I say this: Do not lose heart. If this is your dream, your calling, then rise again with greater strength. You are the budding flowers of our society, and one day your petals will unfurl and spread a fragrance that will bring pride not only to your family but to the entire community.
Let this result not be a verdict on your worth, but a lesson in perseverance. Remember, dreams delayed are not dreams denied. Keep walking. Keep striving. And when your time comes, it will be more glorious than ever imagined.
And to those who have qualified—Congratulations! May your journey ahead be filled with humility, knowledge, and the urge to heal the world with compassion.
Dr Aasif Ahmad
aa********@***il.com