The NEET 2024 examination will be remembered not for the triumphs it should have celebrated, but for the heartbreak it left in its wake. The news of paper leaks and the resulting rank inflation has crushed the hopes of countless aspiring doctors, sending shockwaves through their families. For some, the dream of donning a white coat has been postponed indefinitely; for others, it has been abandoned altogether, as they shift their focus to new paths. The echoes of their struggles linger in the hearts of their parents, who recount this journey with emotions that range from deep pride to profound sorrow.

In this narrative, one such father Dr Manu Malhotra—an eminent professor at AIIMS Rishikesh—shares the story of his son's NEET preparation, a tale marked by relentless effort, deep sacrifice, and an unwavering hope for a brighter future. 

"My son would start his studies at 8 a.m. and often continue until the early hours of the morning, sometimes working until 2 a.m. or beyond," the father recalls. "I urged him to rest, to prioritize his mental well-being, but he was driven by a dream too powerful to ignore. He would talk about top colleges with starry-eyed enthusiasm, imagining the facilities and the future they promised."

As any devoted parent would, Professor Manu and his wife Dr Rashmi supported their son in every way possible. "I often shared the wisdom of toppers' interviews, hoping to inspire and guide him," he says. "His mother took a long childcare leave just to be by his side. She would even feed him herself to save his time, as he buried himself in his notes."

Despite their best efforts, the journey was far from smooth. "There were days when a dip in his mock test scores would break his spirit. We knew he would sometimes cry in private, overwhelmed by the pressure. On those days, we would take him out, trying to lift his spirits and remind him that he was not alone in this struggle."

The sacrifices they made as parents were immense. "We put our professional aspirations on hold, canceled outstation commitments, and curbed our expenditures. Every day felt like a test for us too, as we poured our energy into helping our son realize his dream. We told ourselves, 'Once he is through, we will be free to do whatever...' But that day never came."

When the results were announced, their world came crashing down. "For a month, we were afraid to leave him alone. He would lock himself in his room, crying silent tears of frustration and despair. Sometimes, he would shout at himself, curse his fate, and question the lessons we had instilled in him—lessons of hard work and perseverance."

A flicker of hope appeared when the Supreme Court declared they would not tolerate even a 0.001% fraud. "We clung to that hope, praying for justice," the father reflects.

But after the final verdict, the family's faith was shattered. "We are devastated, not just by the outcome, but by the betrayal of our long-held belief in the triumph of righteousness. Our minds, bodies, and souls are struggling to accept that those responsible for such a catastrophic injustice have walked away unscathed."