How Gujarat's Ganesh Baraiya Overcame Height Discrimination to Become a Doctor Despite Dwarfism

Ganesh Baraiya, a remarkable individual from Gujarat, had to petition the Supreme Court to fulfill his aspiration of becoming a medical practitioner.

Standing as an inspirational figure, Gujarat's Ganesh Baraiya has conquered significant legal obstacles to achieve his dream of practicing medicine. His challenging path began in 2018 when the Medical Council of India (MCI) rejected his application for an MBBS program, citing his height as the sole reason.

Due to dwarfism, Baraiya measures only three feet tall and weighs less than 20 kg. He additionally lives with a 72 percent locomotive disability. The MCI initially argued that these physical characteristics might hamper his capacity to function effectively as a medical professional.

Refusing to surrender his aspirations, Baraiya, who graduated from Nilkanth Vidhyapeeth in Talaja, contested this decision. He initiated legal proceedings in the Gujarat High Court with support from his school principal, Dr. Dalpatbhai Katariya, who assisted with legal expenses that Baraiya's farming family in Bhavnagar could not manage. Despite the High Court initially supporting the MCI's stance, Baraiya remained committed to his medical ambitions.

While provisionally enrolling in a B.Sc. program, he elevated his battle to the Supreme Court. Four months after approaching the highest judicial authority, the SC determined that 'Ganesh' could not be denied admission based on his three-foot stature, thereby clearing his path to pursue a medical degree and serve the community.

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'Want To Treat Poor People'

With judicial support, Baraiya secured admission to Bhavnagar Medical College in 2019 and successfully completed his education. Following his mandatory state internship, Baraiya now serves patients in the medical capacity he had envisioned years ago.

"I want to treat poor people in rural areas. That's where the need is greatest," stated Baraiya, who may potentially be recognized as the world's shortest doctor.

Addressing daily challenges related to his height, Baraiya acknowledged that while patients initially react to his stature, they eventually become comfortable and accept him as their physician.

"Whenever patients see me they are a bit startled at first but then they accept me and I also accept their initial behavior. They behave with me cordially and with positivity. They become happy as well," he explained.

Baraiya's life journey exemplifies perseverance, determination, and passion for improving the world, despite facing physical limitations.