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At 15, Roshan Jawwad lost both her legs in a train accident. The Mumbai girl thought that was the end of her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. 

But, the 29-year-old Roshan has not only earned MBBS but also successfully completed her MD in pathology. Last 13 years, Roshan, daughter of a vegetable vendor, had disciplined herself to studies and was determined to fight all that came in between, including a legal battle,  bone tumour and financial crises.

In October 2008, Roshan was returning from her school by train when she fell onto the tracks and her lower limbs were severed at the ankle and thigh. 

Roshan had scored 92.2% in Class X and cracked MBBS entrance exam. However, she had to approach the Bombay high court, as she was found to be 86% handicap, and the rule allowed only people with “up to 70% handicap” to study medicine.

After several rounds of the court hearing, the court directed that Roshan be given admission. Roshan went on to pass MBBS with first class in 2016 from Seth GS Medical College (KEM hospital). 

Even though she was diagnosed with a bone tumour, she went on to crack the PG medical entrance exams in 2018 and got admission in the same college for MD in pathology. She went through the operation and completed her MD securing 4th rank in the KEM pathology department with 65% marks.

Left with a two-year bond service for MBBS and MD, Roshan will be applying for jobs in government hospitals. 

Roshan says, " My plan is to start a laboratory and diagnostic centre in a rural area where people at present travel long distances for medical tests. If I get financial help, I will start it or will wait till I am financially equipped to start a laboratory. My centre will have concessional testing and free testing for the poor."

Roshan's family runs on her brother, Abu Talib, a salesman's earnings. And Roshan along with her three siblings stays in a rented chawl in Jogeshwari. 

Roshan gratefully remembers all who stood with her in tough times. Dr Sanjay Kantharia, orthopaedic surgeon who helped her like a daughter. Senior lawyer V P Patil had fought her case for free and MLA Ameen Patel financed her medical education.