When Ganesh Baraiya was around 10, a circus troupe came to his home in Gujarat with an unusual offer. They wanted to take him away and offered his farmer father ₹5 lakh. Baraiya was born with dwarfism and was being viewed for his physical appearance rather than his abilities. His father refused. Years later, that decision looks even more significant.Baraiya, who is around 3 feet tall and has a reported 72% locomotor disability, went on to clear NEET and complete his MBBS. He is now working as a medical officer at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital in Bhavnagar.The childhood circus incident was recalled by Baraiya in his recent appearance on popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
His father chose education over the ₹5 lakh offer
He recalled the childhood circus incident in a recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati.
According to NDTV and various media, Baraiya grew up in Gorkhi village in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district in a farming family. He was the only one among nine siblings to be born with dwarfism. His physical condition affected his mobility, but his family ensured that his education continued. His father would carry him to school, while his sisters also helped him get around.The circus offer became one of the incidents that stayed with the family. According to media reports, the troupe told his father that Ganesh was suitable for circus work and offered ₹5 lakh to take him. His father rejected the proposal and continued to support his education.
NEET cleared, but medical admission was denied
In 2018, Baraiya cleared NEET under the disabled category. But getting a medical seat was not straightforward. The Medical Council of India denied him admission to an MBBS program, citing concerns that his disability could prevent him from functioning as a doctor. Baraiya challenged the decision in the Gujarat High Court, but the court initially upheld the MCI’s position.According to NDTV, Baraiya then approached the Supreme Court with the support of his school principal, Dr Dalpat Katariya. Baraiya briefly considered pursuing a BSc instead at one time. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in Baraiya’s favour, clearing the way for him to pursue medical education.
Medical college brought another challenge
Baraiya grew up in Gorkhi village in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district in a farming family.
Baraiya joined Government Medical College in Bhavnagar in 2019. Getting admission was only one hurdle. He also had to find ways to manage the practical difficulties of studying medicine. As per media reports, classmates reserved a front-row seat for him and that a senior helped arrange a writer when his writing speed became a problem during his first semester.Baraiya initially struggled to finish his written examinations because he could not complete the papers within the allotted time. He eventually completed his MBBS and internship.
From being judged by his height to treating patients
In November 2025, Baraiya began working as a medical officer at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital in Bhavnagar. The hospital is in the same city where he studied medicine. His height still attracts attention. In an earlier interview, Baraiya said patients sometimes appeared surprised when they first saw him. But, he said, they gradually became comfortable and accepted him as their doctor.His stated ambition is to treat people in rural areas, where he believes medical care is needed most. Baraiya has also spoken about his interest in areas including paediatrics, dermatology and radiology.
The ₹5 lakh offer became a very different story
Baraiya has also spoken about his interest in areas including paediatrics, dermatology and radiology.
The circus offer from his childhood could have taken Baraiya’s life in an entirely different direction. Instead, his father chose to keep him in school. That choice was followed by years of study, a NEET qualification, a court battle and medical training.Today, the man who was once considered by others for his appearance works inside a government hospital as a doctor.
