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Sector: Professional Development
When asked to tell his story, Lucky humbly
insisted that the story not be about him, but
his parents. It was through their love and
support that he was able to achieve the
unthinkable. However, Lucky’s role in his
success cannot b e
overlooked. He was able to overcome many
obstacles like poverty to achieve his dream.
Ever since Lucky broke his arm when he was a
child and was unable to receive treatment, he
had the desire to help
 those
who were in need. Although Lucky had the drive
to become a doctor he did not have the means to
fund his entire education. Lucky’s father worked
long hours cutting trees and growing rajma
(kidney beans) in order to meet the needs of him
and his three siblings. This was a difficult
task as the rough terrain and harsh weather made
their village, Chota Bengal, inaccessible many
months of the year. Lucky’s parents were
illiterate and had no formal education. However,
despite their outward simplicity as seen in
their traditional Kullu Valley attire, Lucky’s
parents were very progressive in wanting their
children to become
educated.
Lucky was able to complete his primary school
near his home. However, when it came time to
enter the 6th standard, he would have to attend
a school that was 6 hours away by foot. Because
Lucky’s parents wanted the best education for
their children, they decided to move to
Dharamsala and stay in a rented house so that
Lucky
 could
attend a good school. As Lucky and his siblings
entered higher educational institutions, his
parents could not afford the tuition. Lucky’s
mother desperately wanted her kids to continue
their education, so she decided to work
alongside her husband to make ends meet. Lucky
and his siblings saw their parent’s hard work,
and they too followed by example. This often
meant studying long hours in the corner of their
house by candlelight.
Years of studying by candlelight paid off when
Lucky successfully passed the Pre-Medical Test
and was admitted into the Indira Gandhi Medical
School in Shimla. Although Lucky’s parents never
let their children feel that they were poor, the
money required for medical school could not be
met by his parents. But Lucky knew that if he
worked hard, God would help him. This help came
in the form of a friend of Lucky who was in a
similar situation. He had received a scholarship
through CORD to continue his education and he
knew Lucky was capable of receiving the same
scholarship. Lucky’s friend brought him and his
parents to Dr. Kshama Metre (affectionately
called Dr. Didi) who encouraged him to apply for
a scholarship provided by the Foundation for
Excellence. The Foundation for Excellence, in
collaboration with CORD, provides scholarships
to bright, hard-working youth who often do not
have the resources to succeed. With the support
of his parents, relatives, villagers, and CORD,
Lucky was able to complete the application and
receive the scholarship.
However, once in medical school, Lucky still
faced hardships. Because of his simple village
upbringing, he found it difficult to mix in and
communicate with the students and professors. He
struggled with his English and he lacked
necessary computer skills to keep up with the
other students. But this was no barrier for
Lucky. In addition to his regular studies, Lucky
spent extra time with a CORD volunteer from
abroad so that he could improve his English. Dr.
Didi also provided Lucky the means to become
more familiar with computer technology. This has
allowed him to stay competitive in the
ever-changing medical field.
Lucky’s journey could not have been possible
without the numerous networks that CORD has
created over the years. CORD works in
collaboration with other sponsors, hospitals,
and organizations around the world in order to
provide the best possible services to rural
communities. For example, difficult cardiac or
neurological cases are often sent to
collaborators at other hospitals. This ensures
that the patient receives the best care and the
latest technology. CORD also performs follow-ups
so that after the intervention, beneficiaries
are properly absorbed back into the community.
Today, Lucky has almost completed his medical
schooling. His parents continue to support him
with the money they earn cutting wood. They have
also supplemented their income with other
innovative work such as selling rabbit fur.
Lucky regularly informs Dr. Didi of his progress
in medical school. He also attends many CORD
functions and has established friendships with
many of CORD’s workers. With the love of his
parents and Dr. Didi, Lucky hopes to one day go
back to his village and help poor people raise
their living standards.
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