In a momentous achievement that has ignited pride across Assam, Martina Tudu, a young woman from the marginalised Santhal community, has etched her name into history by becoming the first Santhal girl from Assam to earn an MBBS degree.
Hailing from the modest hamlet of Ajarbari in Hojai district, Tudu completed her medical education at Tezpur Medical College, overcoming systemic challenges and social barriers that have long hindered opportunities for girls from indigenous and underrepresented communities.
Her extraordinary milestone has drawn accolades from across the state. Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chief Pramod Bodo lauded her accomplishment on social media, saying, “Heartfelt congratulations to Dr Martina Tudu on earning her MBBS degree from Tezpur Medical College — the first Santhal girl from Assam to achieve this milestone.”
He added, “Her inspiring journey reflects the growing empowerment of marginalised communities in Assam and motivates us to continue working toward holistic, inclusive development for all communities across Assam and the BTR.”
State education minister Ranoj Pegu also extended his congratulations, commending Martina’s perseverance, resilience and unwavering commitment to education.
Tudu’s success is being hailed as a landmark victory for the Santhal community and a beacon of hope for countless young girls in rural and tribal regions in the northeast state. Her ascent from the heart of a remote village to the corridors of medical education is a powerful testament to the transformative power of determination, grit and academic pursuit against all odds.
The Santhal community is among the largest tribal groups in India, predominantly concentrated in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. In Assam, however, the community exists in a different context. While Santhals in other parts of India are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), those in Assam are grouped under the ‘Tea Tribes’ umbrella and classified as Other Backward Classes (OBC). The community has long campaigned for distinct recognition and inclusion under the ST category in the state.
Tudu’s groundbreaking achievement is not just a personal triumph—it is a symbol of resilience for a community striving for identity, recognition and opportunity. Her journey underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies and equitable access to education for marginalised groups. As the first Santhal girl from Assam to wear the white coat of a doctor, she has opened doors of possibility for generations to come.
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