At 47 years old, Juwana defied societal norms and proved it’s never too late to chase a dream—a dream she once shared with her late father, Abdul Rasikh: becoming a doctor. But here’s where it gets inspiring: after a detour through marriage, motherhood, and two decades of family life, this Kasaragod woman not only cleared India’s notoriously competitive NEET exam on her first attempt but is now set to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. What’s her secret? A supportive family, including her doctor husband and medico children, who doubled as her personal cheerleaders and tutors. Yet, this is the part most people miss: Juwana’s journey wasn’t about rigid routines or perfect preparation—she studied on her terms, skipped physics when it felt overwhelming, and leaned on her family’s resources. Is age truly just a number when it comes to pursuing your passions? Let’s dive into her story.
Juwana, from Kanhangad in Kasaragod, had her life take an unexpected turn after her father’s sudden death and her marriage to Dr. Abdulla K P, an ENT specialist. Despite her BSc in Zoology and an unfinished MSc in Medical Pharmacology, she paused her academic pursuits to focus on family. ‘My father always wanted me to marry a doctor,’ she recalls. ‘After marriage, my husband gave me the choice to continue studying, but I chose to stop.’ For years, she embraced her roles as a wife and mother of four, supported by a family that always had her back.
But the spark to study reignited during the COVID-19 lockdown. Watching her son’s online classes, she thought, ‘Why not me?’ The removal of NEET’s upper age limit in 2022 and her daughter’s high entrance exam score further fueled her determination. ‘I told my husband I wanted to try,’ she says with a smile. Her family didn’t just support her—they became her study buddies. Her husband handled the logistics, while her children, all medical students, shared their notes and clarified doubts. Controversial take: Does relying on family for academic success level the playing field, or does it highlight privilege?
Juwana’s preparation was anything but conventional. She studied only when she felt motivated, breezed through biology, and outright skipped physics. ‘My husband kept reminding me that since we’d applied, I should at least give it my best shot,’ she admits. On exam day, she arrived at the center with her husband, sparking confusion among younger students. ‘Some thought I was a teacher,’ she laughs. ‘My children’s friends were thrilled to see their friend’s mom taking NEET!’
Beyond NEET, Juwana also qualified for the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) exam, though her heart is set on dentistry. ‘My husband suggested we could open a pharmacy together if I pursued that path,’ she shares. For now, she hopes to join Century Dental College in Kasaragod, close to her family. ‘I don’t want to move away,’ she explains. ‘My children study in different places, and I want to be here when they visit.’
Outside of academics, Juwana is a self-proclaimed ‘vibe mom’ who loves traveling and exploring new cuisines. From Lakshadweep to Manali and Kashmir, she’s always up for an adventure with her family. Her children’s friends adore her, and she’s living proof that dreams don’t expire.
Her family couldn’t be prouder. Alongside her husband, Dr. Abdulla K P, are her children: Dr. Mariyam Aafrin Abdulla (house surgeon), Salih Abdurrazak (third-year MBBS), Salman Abdul Qadir (second-year MBBS), and Azeemah (a Plus Two student). Together, they’re a testament to the power of family and perseverance.
So, what do you think? Is Juwana’s story a reminder that age is no barrier, or does it highlight the privilege of having a supportive, medically inclined family? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
