From Beggar On Streets Of Himachal To Doctor: Everything About Pinki Haryan
Pinki Haryan’s life story is a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing how sheer determination and the kindness of strangers can transform a person’s destiny. Born into extreme poverty, Pinki spent her early childhood begging with her family on the streets of McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh. Her family, living in a slum and struggling for basic necessities, never imagined that one of their own could break free from the cycle of poverty.
In 2004, her life took a drastic turn when Lobsang Jamyang, a Tibetan monk and the founder of the Tong-Len Charitable Trust, spotted her begging. Jamyang convinced Pinki’s father to allow her to pursue education, which was the starting point of her remarkable journey.
Pinki was enrolled in Dayanand Public School, Dharamshala, and became one of the first children to live in a hostel set up by the trust for destitute children. Despite the challenges of missing her family, she stayed focused on her education. Pinki’s hard work paid off when she cleared her senior secondary exams and successfully passed NEET, India’s medical entrance exam. However, the high fees of Indian private medical colleges posed a hurdle. Thanks to the Tong-Len Charitable Trust and its UK supporters, Pinki was able to secure admission to a prestigious medical college in China, where she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. In 2024, after completing her MBBS, she returned to Dharamshala and is now preparing to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice medicine in India. Her journey from begging to becoming a doctor is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the power of education and community support. Today, Pinki is eager to give back by serving underprivileged communities, drawing from her own experiences of hardship. This incredible story is a reminder that with support, even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome, and it highlights the impact organizations like the Tong-Len Charitable Trust can have on transforming lives.