Dharamsala girl overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams
Team Clarion
DHARAMSALA — Courage, determination and the will to succeed have propelled a young girl from the streets of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh to the heights of medical achievement. Pinky Haryan, once a child who begged alongside her mother, has now proudly earned her MBBS degree and became a doctor.
At just four-and-a-half years old, Pinky was seen begging with her mother, Krishna, outside a Buddhist temple in McLeodganj. However, her life took a dramatic turn when Tibetan refugee monk Jamyang, motivated by compassion, took her under his wing. He adopted Pinky and other children who were scavengers or beggars, giving them a chance at a better life. Today, twenty years later, Pinky’s hard work and the support she received have culminated in her remarkable transformation.
“I like putting doctor in front of my name,” Dr Pinky expressed joyfully, reflecting on her achievements. Recalling her earlier years, she shared, “In 2004, I was begging with my mother near a Buddhist temple in McLeodganj when monk Jamyang noticed me.” Shortly after, monk Jamyang visited Pinky’s home in the Charankhad slum, where he recognised her immediately. He then approached her father, Kashmiri Lal, requesting permission to send Pinky to the hostel of his newly established Tonglin Charitable Trust. This initiative aimed to support children living in squalor who either begged or scavenged for a living.
Monk Jamyang fondly recalled, “Pinky was very good in studies from the beginning. As soon as she cleared her 12th exam, she also cleared the NET exam. She could have gained admission to a private college, but the fees were too high.” Instead, Pinky enrolled in a reputable medical university in China in 2018, where she pursued her six-year MBBS degree. Having completed her studies, she has returned to Dharamsala, ready to serve her community.
Pinky’s success is also a testament to her resolve. She noted, “When I started studying in the hostel, I forbade my mother from begging.” This decision not only reflected her determination to break free from their past but also highlighted the profound changes she was committed to bringing to her family’s life.
Dr Pinky Haryan’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that with resilience, support, and education, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
