His name gained national attention after the Medical Council of India rejected his MBBS admission in 2018 because of his disability.
A young doctor from rural Gujarat is winning hearts across the country with a story of grit and determination. Dr Ganesh Baraiya, who grew up battling a 72% locomotor disability and constant discrimination, has now begun his first posting as a medical officer at just 25. Despite standing only three feet tall, he refused to let society, authorities, or even legal setbacks decide his future. His journey from rejection to recognition shows how courage can redefine what is possible.
Dr Ganesh Baraiya is a 25-year-old medical officer from Gorkhi village in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Born with dwarfism and weighing only 20 kg, he has faced physical limitations throughout his life. But he pursued his dream of becoming a doctor with extraordinary determination.
His name gained national attention after the Medical Council of India rejected his MBBS admission in 2018 because of his disability. He fought the decision in court, won in the Supreme Court, completed his MBBS, and is now officially serving as a government doctor.
Determined to fight discrimination, Ganesh challenged the rejection. First, he approached the Gujarat High Court — but lost. Rather than giving up, he escalated the matter to the highest court in the country.
In 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled in his favour. The court said his height alone could not disqualify him from pursuing medicine. Ganesh got admission in the 2019 batch at the Government Medical College in Bhavnagar.
Even after admission, the journey was tough. In early semesters, Ganesh struggled to finish long answer sheets because of the physical demands. Friends and teachers helped — they gave him a writer, extra time, seats in front, stools during practicals, and moral support during surgeries.
He passed all exams on his first attempt. The support of his mentors, classmates, and family made it possible.
Now, at the age of 25, Ganesh Baraiya has started his first posting as a medical officer at a government hospital in Bhavnagar. The posting marks the end of years of struggle — legal, social, and physical — and the beginning of his service to patients.
Despite his appearance, he walks the hospital corridors with a stethoscope around his neck. Some patients may feel surprised at first. But Ganesh says, “They get startled, but then most of them accept me.”
Ganesh’s journey highlights how institutional bias can block dreams. The decision by the Medical Council of India to deny him admission in 2018 because of his height raised tough questions about accessibility and inclusion. But the Supreme Court’s ruling underlined that disability alone should not be a barrier to ambition.
His success could inspire more reforms — to ensure differently-abled candidates get equal opportunities in education and professional fields.
For Ganesh, the journey does not end with being a doctor. He has simple yet profound goals. He wants to build a proper home for his family — they still live in a modest house in their village. With his regular salary, he hopes to give them a stable and dignified life.
He also wants to serve patients from rural areas. He knows many people cannot afford good healthcare — and he wants to reach out to them with empathy and dedication.
