Motivational story - 3 foot tall Dr Ganesh Baraiya initially rejected for med school due to his height

Born with dwarfism, Baraiya has fought legal battles every step of the way to appointment as Medical Officer at Sir T General Hospital, Bhavnagar.



At 3 feet, he barely reaches the height of an average hospital stretcher. That is hardly a deterrent for Dr Ganesh Baraiya, who has vaulted over many to become arguably the first person with a 72% disability to become a medical practitioner.

Dr. Ganesh Baraiya, known as "Gani" to his friends and a dedicated doctor to his patients, stands just three feet tall, barely reaching the height of a hospital stretcher. Despite having a 72% locomotor disability due to dwarfism caused by a growth hormone deficiency, he has become one of the first medical practitioners with such a condition, inspiring many along the way. At the Trauma Centre of Sir T General Hospital in Bhavnagar, the 25-year-old is often one of the first responders, wearing his stethoscope and guiding interns in patient care.

Born the eighth of nine siblings to an illiterate farming family in Gorkhi village of Bhavnagar, Baraiya faced considerable challenges from the start. When he was 10, a circus troupe offered to buy him for Rs 5 lakh, viewing him only as a circus attraction, but his father fiercely protected him. Despite his condition, Baraiya accepted his disability and was supported by his family, with his elder sisters carrying him and his father taking him to school on his shoulders.

Baraiya’s journey to becoming a doctor was fraught with hurdles. After clearing the NEET exam under the disabled quota in 2018, the Medical Council of India initially denied him admission to MBBS, citing his disability as a potential impediment. When the Gujarat High Court upheld this decision, Baraiya decided to give up on medicine and enrolled in a B.Sc. program. However, his mentor Dr. Dalpat Katariya took up his case in the Supreme Court, and after a year’s delay, Baraiya finally joined Bhavnagar Government Medical College in 2019.

Academic life posed more obstacles. Baraiya struggled with written exams, unable to complete lengthy answer sheets in time. His mentors helped secure accommodations, including a writer and extra time for his exams, enabling him to pass all subsequent semesters on the first try. Throughout his MBBS course, his classmates and professors supported him by making accommodations like saving seats in front rows and helping during practicals, ensuring he could fully participate despite his physical limitations.

Today, Dr. Baraiya works alongside colleagues who admire his determination and resilience. He has become a symbol of inspiration, proving that disabilities need not limit one’s aspirations. Though aware of his physical limits in clinical procedures, he dreams of continuing his medical journey with postgraduate studies and remains committed to helping patients and supporting others facing similar challenges. His story is a testament to courage, community support, and the power of perseverance.

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