In the quiet village of Gangath, nestled in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, life changed forever for a young woman named Anju two years ago. It wasn't just a loss; it was a realization born out of a ticking clock.
The Midnight Tragedy That Changed Everything
Anju’s elder brother, Ajay, was the pillar of her family. When a tragic road accident left him fighting for his life, the family's world stopped. But the world outside didn't move fast enough. Because of the difficult terrain and a lack of immediate transport, medical help arrived too late. Ajay didn't make it.
For many, such a loss would lead to a lifetime of "what ifs." For Anju, it became a "never again."
Trading Tears for a Steering Wheel
Determined that no other sister should lose a brother to a delay in medical care, Anju took a path few women in the region dare to tread. She stepped out of her grief and into the Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s (HRTC) driving school.
Breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated field, she mastered the heavy vehicle and joined the Ranjit Bakshi Jankalyan Foundation. Six months ago, she officially took her seat behind the wheel of an ambulance.
100 Lives and Counting
The winding, dangerous roads of Himachal and Punjab are difficult for even seasoned drivers, but Anju drives with a mission. In just half a year, she has navigated these treacherous routes to rush over 100 patients to critical care centers, including:
PGI Chandigarh
IGMC Shimla
Fortis Amritsar
DMC Ludhiana
Why Her Story Matters
Anju’s story isn't just about driving; it’s about turning personal pain into a public service. In India, where "The Golden Hour" (the first hour after a trauma) is the difference between life and death, Anju is a literal lifesaver. She has transformed herself from a grieving sister into a guardian angel for hundreds of families.
"I couldn't save my brother, but every time I hear the siren, I feel like I'm giving someone else's brother, father, or mother a second chance at life." — Anju's Spirit
Credit: This inspiring story was shared by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, highlighting grassroots heroes who embody the spirit of service and national building.
