From begging on streets to becoming a doctor: Pinki Haryan’s inspiring journey of Hope and determination

In a world filled with stories of inspiration, Pinki Haryan’s remarkable journey is one that truly touches the heart. From a life of extreme poverty and hunger to earning a medical degree, her story is a powerful reminder that sheer determination and grit can change even the bleakest of circumstances. Once a young girl begging on the streets of Mcleodganj and scavenging for food from garbage bins, Pinki now stands on the threshold of a medical career, preparing to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice as a doctor in India.

Pinki’s early life was marked by hardship. Born into a desperately poor family in the slums of Charan Khud in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, her family struggled to survive. They lived off the streets, begging and picking food from trash just to get by. But despite the grim reality of her childhood, Pinki refused to let her circumstances define her future. Even at a young age, she was determined to change her life and rise above her situation.

Everything changed for Pinki in 2004, when fate introduced her to Lobsang Jamyang, a Tibetan monk and head of the Tong-Len Charitable Trust in Dharamshala. Jamyang, who was committed to helping children from impoverished families, saw potential in Pinki. He convinced her father, Kashmiri Lal, to allow her to attend school. It wasn’t easy—her father was hesitant—but Jamyang’s persistence paid off. Pinki was enrolled in Dayanand Public School in Dharamshala, becoming one of the first children to live in the trust’s hostel for underprivileged kids.

With access to education, Pinki thrived. She worked hard and excelled in her studies, proving her academic talent. After finishing her 12th grade exams, she passed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a critical exam for medical students in India. Unfortunately, her rank wasn’t high enough to secure a spot in a government medical college, and with private medical college fees far beyond her family’s reach, it seemed like her dreams were slipping away.

But Pinki’s story didn’t end there. In 2018, the Tong-Len Charitable Trust’s UK chapter stepped in once again, helping her secure admission to a prestigious medical college in China. For six years, Pinki worked tirelessly, earning her MBBS degree. Now, she has returned to Dharamshala, focused on clearing the FMGE so she can begin her medical practice in India.

Lobsang Jamyang, the monk who played such a pivotal role in Pinki’s life, couldn’t be prouder of her achievements. In a recent interview, he spoke warmly of her, emphasizing that his mission isn’t just about helping children achieve professional success, but also about guiding them to become compassionate, good-hearted individuals. Through his trust, Jamyang has changed the lives of hundreds of children like Pinki, helping them become doctors, engineers, and government officials.

For Pinki, Jamyang has been more than just a mentor—he has been like a father. She credits him with giving her the support and motivation she needed to pursue her dreams, saying that without him, she would have never made it this far. Pinki’s story is a moving testament to the power of kindness, opportunity, and an unbreakable will to succeed.