The Great Indian Craze for Becoming a Doctor

In India, you ask from any child, what he wants to become in future, and you will be surprised to know that every second child wants to become a doctor.

Astonishingly, this craze does not regress and becomes more pronounced as a child grows. Surveys are time to time announcing Indian Pre Medical Tests as well as the medical courses to be the toughest among all. Only few from the creamy layer make through this gateway.

But I always remember the words of Dr. N.K. Pandey, ex-Head Surgeon, Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. When I was a student of 11^th class and we had a chance to visit the Escorts Hospital, he said, “Never join medical line in search of money because there are better options”.

Business, glamour, executive and the management world etc. are the better options for those who want to earn more. If you want to wear Rolex, drive Ferrari, and stay at Taj, this is not the right line for you. Here, you have to work unto death for the health, and not for the money. But every year, many students are pulled towards the medical line just because of our “Great Indian Craze”. Those who fail to find the spirit of medico become frustrated.

Actually, our elders considered the blessings to be the most valuable asset of an individual. This is still reflected as the craze of middle class society for the medical line. Those days, medical profession was known for serving the mankind and getting the blessings. However, the money minded generation is often unable to understand why to devote ourselves to the suffering of the mankind. But, if we find happiness in the happiness of others, every thing becomes pleasant. Just think about the gratitude of a wife towards the doctor who saves her husband from a deadly heart attack, and the pleasure of living in a disease free society.

So, I would always recommend “Learn to differentiate between yours and your Dad’s preferences, while choosing a way for yourself”. Be happy, and you will build a happy nation.