Riba and Rahin Hafezji of Surat in Gujarat, raised by their inspiring mother, overcame financial challenges and academic pressures to become the first doctors in their family
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a remarkable feat, twin sisters Riba and Rahin Hafezji from Surat in Gujarat have scored identical marks in their MBBS final exams, a rarity that has brought them immense pride. The 24-year-olds completed their medical studies at GMERS Medical College in Vadodara with an impressive 935 marks, equivalent to 66.8%. Their academic journey, full of challenges and shared dreams, is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering familial support.
Raised by Gulshad Banu, a single mother and a teacher, the sisters faced financial hardships but never let those obstacles deter them. “We are the first doctors in the family,” Rahin shared. “In our extended family, my maternal uncle is a doctor who inspired us to take up medicine. Growing up, we always prepared for our exams together, which is why we scored similar marks.”
The duo’s academic journey began early with impressive performances in school. Riba scored in the 99th percentile in Class 10, while Rahin was in the 98.5th percentile. Their strong academic foundation continued in Class 12, where Riba achieved 98.2%, and Rahin scored 97.3%. The sisters also performed excellently in the NEET-UG exam, with Riba securing the 97th percentile and Rahin slightly ahead at 97.7%, all without attending coaching classes.
The sisters’ commitment to their shared path continued through their medical education at GMERS, where they lived together in the same hostel room and attended classes together. Riba recalled, “We could have chosen other government medical colleges like Jamnagar or Bhavnagar, but we wanted to stay together, and GMERS was closer to our home in Surat. It was our first time living outside the city, so it felt like an exciting new chapter.”
Support from their family, particularly their mother and maternal grandparents, has been crucial throughout the journey. “We’ve faced numerous challenges, but our mother and grandparents have been like a rock for us. They’ve always supported us, and we are proud to fulfill their dreams,” Rahin said, reflecting on their journey.
The sisters are grateful for government scholarships and merit-based financial aid that allowed them to pursue their studies without monetary worry. Looking ahead, Rahin is interested in obstetrics and gynaecology, while Riba plans to specialise in internal medicine. However, both hope to secure admission to the same college for their postgraduate studies, continuing their shared academic journey.
Riba and Rahin’s success is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for their community. They are among the few women from the Sindhi Jamaati community to have graduated in medicine. “Our community has been very supportive, and our mother has taught us to dream big and be of service to others,” said Riba.
The twins’ journey, full of perseverance and mutual support, has been nothing short of miraculous. As Riba aptly put it, “We are determined to help others just as others have helped us achieve our dreams.”
Their story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work, solidarity, and the power of family support. The Hafezji sisters continue to inspire others, reaffirming their commitment to medicine and their deep-rooted desire to give back to society.
