A villager Shines as First Gold Medalist in Postgraduate Genetics at Calcutta University Amid Local Challenges

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 3, 2024, Calcutta : In a remarkable achievement, Asif Iqbal, hailing from Chandaneshwar in South 24 Parganas, has become the first gold medalist of the region in the postgraduate program at Calcutta University’s Department of Genetics. His achievement stands out against a backdrop of political turmoil and environmental degradation affecting the fertile lands of his district, raising concerns among local residents.

Chandaneshwar, a remote village in South 24 Parganas within the jurisdiction of the Jaynagar Majilpur police station in the Jaynagar I CD block in the Baruipur subdivision of the South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It has faced numerous challenges, but Asif's journey serves as a beacon of hope. The youngest of three children of Ahsanullah Molya and Fatima Begum, Asif grew up in a modest household, with his father being a retired teacher.

Asif's commitment to his research is deeply personal; he lost two uncles to cancer, which has fueled his ambition to develop ways to combat this devastating disease. "My goal is to find ways to save lives from this incurable illness," Asif shared, emphasizing the urgency of his mission.

His educational journey began at Chandaneshwar Primary School, followed by Chandaneshwar High School, and then he completed his schooling from Shishu Bikash Academy. Asif went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Physiology from Bangbasi Sandhya College, where he laid the groundwork for his future studies. Pursuing his passion for genetics, he enrolled in Calcutta University, where he not only excelled academically but also won a gold medal for securing the top position in his postgraduate class.

Asif Iqbal's story is one of perseverance and dedication, illustrating how personal loss can inspire a commitment to advancing medical research for the betterment of society. His success not only highlights his individual talent but also brings attention to the pressing health issues facing his community, reminding us of the potential for change even in the most challenging circumstances.