In a remarkable story of triumph over adversity, 22-year-old Ganesh Baraiya has overcome the hurdles associated with dwarfism to become a trained doctor, beginning his internship at Bhavnagar Medical College. Standing only 3 feet tall and weighing 18 kg, Ganesh's journey to triumph has been an incredible story of determination and resilience.
Ganesh, from Gorkhi village in Bhavnagar district, experienced major challenges in following his aim of becoming a doctor. His exceptional academic record, which included 87% in Class 12 examinations and 233 in the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), was eclipsed when the Gujarat government denied him entrance to the MBBS course in 2018, along with two other students with disabilities. Despite this setback, Ganesh persisted, taking his case to the Supreme Court, which decided in favor of the pupils under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016.
Despite his physical limitations, Ganesh excelled in medical school, actively participating in extracurricular activities and garnering the admiration of his peers and mentors. Dr. Hemant Mehta, dean of Bhavnagar Medical College, praised Ganesh's determination, saying he is qualified to fight for the title of "shortest doctor in the world."
Ganesh, weighing just 18 kg and suffering from 72% locomotive handicap owing to dwarfism, handles his responsibilities as an intern with maturity beyond his years. Patients frequently do a double take when they meet him, but Ganesh immediately puts them at ease with his soothing approach.
Ganesh aspires to concentrate on dermatology, stating a preference for the discipline because of its less demanding workload. However, he is still open to other areas such as medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics.
Ganesh reflected on his trip and expressed gratitude for the invaluable experience obtained while performing clinical tasks, particularly in light of the problems provided by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The story of Ganesh Baraiya demonstrates the importance of determination, overcoming hurdles, and the need for diversity in education. His strong desire to serve rural populations emphasizes the critical need for medical treatment in disadvantaged places.
As Ganesh prepares for the next stage of his medical career, he envisions a future in which he can make a significant contribution, not only as a doctor but also as an example to others suffering adversity.
In the face of mockery and suspicion, Ganesh's story rises strong, illustrating that dreams have no height limitations. His journey from being denied admission to becoming a trained doctor exemplifies the value of equal opportunity and the tenacious spirit that can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Inputs from various sources.
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
