Ajay Bahadur Singh: A Beacon of Hope for Aspiring Doctors in Odisha

FEATURE: In the bustling streets of Odisha, where dreams often flicker under the weight of poverty, a quiet revolution is taking place. At its helm is Ajay Bahadur Singh, a 47-year-old man with an extraordinary mission—to transform the lives of underprivileged students and help them don the white coat of a doctor.

 

Ajay’s story is not just about overcoming hardships; it’s about rewriting the narrative of what is possible when resilience meets compassion. As the founder of  he has created a sanctuary for dreams, a place where talent meets opportunity. With his unyielding commitment, he has turned a personal dream that once slipped through his fingers into a reality for countless others.

 

Born into a family where his father, an engineer, aspired for him to become a doctor, Ajay’s life took an unexpected turn when tragedy struck. His father’s kidney transplant drained the family’s finances, leaving them in dire straits. Dreams of medical school had to be abandoned as Ajay took on the responsibility of supporting his family. From selling tea and soda at weddings to working odd jobs, Ajay’s determination to keep his family afloat was unwavering.

 

Even amid these struggles, Ajay’s passion for education burned brightly. Balancing multiple jobs, he completed his Sociology Honors degree and began teaching to earn a livelihood. What started as a means to an end became a mission to uplift others who, like him, were forced to abandon their dreams due to financial constraints.

 

In 2017, Ajay established Zindagi Foundation, a coaching institute inspired by Anand Kumar’s Super 30. With a vision to provide free coaching, accommodation, and meals to underprivileged yet talented students, Ajay turned his personal setbacks into a platform for others to succeed. For him, Zindagi wasn’t just a project; it was a promise—to ensure no child with the potential to heal others would have to forsake their ambition because of poverty.

 

The results of Zindagi Foundation have been nothing short of spectacular. In its first year, 12 out of 18 students secured seats in medical colleges across Odisha. By 2019, Ajay’s students achieved a perfect record, with all 14 aspirants clearing the NEET examination.

 

These successes are not just statistics; they are stories of triumph against all odds. One such story is that of Krishna Mohanty, whose mother sells pitha (a traditional Odia delicacy) at Bhubaneswar’s ISCON temple to make ends meet. Krishna scored an impressive 573 marks in NEET and secured admission to a government medical college. Another standout performer was Aniruddha Nayak, who ranked the highest in the batch with an All India Rank of 5662.

 

Ajay takes immense pride in these stories. “These children come from abject poverty but possess an undying spark that propels them forward. Their success is a testament to their resilience and determination,” he says, his voice brimming with emotion.

 

But Zindagi Foundation is more than a coaching institute; it’s a movement. Ajay covers all expenses for his students, ensuring they can focus solely on their studies. Yet, he expects more from them than academic excellence. Inspired by the ancient Gurukul system, he asks for a unique gurudakshina—his students must promise to treat poor patients for free once they become doctors.

 

“So what if I couldn’t become a doctor?” Ajay reflects. “My students are fulfilling that dream for me. They will save not just thousands but lakhs of lives.”

 

Ajay’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not measured by personal achievements but by the lives one impacts. Through his relentless efforts, he has shown that even in the darkest times, a single flame of hope can light up countless lives.

 

For the students of Zindagi Foundation, Ajay is more than a mentor—he is a guide, a friend, and a lifeline. His story, rooted in compassion and perseverance, is proof that when you dedicate your life to uplifting others, your legacy becomes timeless.
In Ajay Bahadur Singh’s world, dreams are not just nurtured—they are given wings to soar. His life’s work stands as an enduring testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the transformative magic of education.

 

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