Dr Prakash Khaitan, a renowned neurosurgeon in Sangam City, took an extraordinary approach to inspire his daughter Mitali, 18, to excel in her medical entrance examination.

Despite grappling with a demanding schedule packed with patients and surgeries, Dr Khaitan dedicated himself to studying alongside Mitali for the all-India entrance exam, multiple reports say. This commendable effort culminated in both of them successfully qualifying the NEET (UG)-2023 this year, with Mitali securing admission to a prestigious medical college in the country.

Contrary to the conventional approach of strict supervision and pressure during exam seasons, Dr Khaitan’s unique method exemplified a profound commitment to his daughter’s education. Recognized for a remarkable eight-hour surgery feat, where he removed 296 cysts from a young patient’s brain, Dr Khaitan shared his heartfelt motivation behind this unusual step. 

“Observing my daughter’s waning interest in studies post-Covid-19, I enrolled her in a coaching institute, but the environment didn’t suit her. With the intense competition in the field, I decided to motivate her by embarking on the NEET (UG)-2023 preparation journey alongside her,” he expressed.

Navigating a demanding workload as one of the few neurosurgeons in Prayagraj, Dr Khaitan managed to steal moments from his packed schedule to prepare for the exam, marking his return to the domain of competitive exams after approximately three decades. 

Guiding Mitali through the intricate preparation process, he tirelessly emphasized the significance of hard work and dedication required to succeed in such rigorous assessments.

Reflecting on his own academic journey, Dr Khaitan reminisced about his admission to MLN Medical College in Prayagraj, followed by the completion of his MS (Surgery) in 1999 and M.Ch (Neurosurgery) in 2003 from King George Medical College, Lucknow. 

Their separate exam centers during the NEET (UG)-2023 on May 7 saw Mitali outperforming her father with an impressive percentile, securing admission to Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, in July.

Undoubtedly, Dr Khaitan’s inspiring endeavor served as a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit. With an unwavering belief in the potency of determination and hard work, he aimed to instill the message that obstacles can be conquered through perseverance, no matter the age or circumstances.