Behind every siren, a dream fulfilled

Anju Bala (25), from the small village of Gharola in Bharmour Assembly constituency of Chamba district, is ready to take the wheel as an ambulance driver. She will transport patients from the Nurpur Civil Hospital to Tanda Medical College, Kangra, and other hospitals within and outside Himachal Pradesh.

Anju has been selected by the Ranjit Bakshi Jankalyan Foundation, a local NGO providing ambulance services on a ‘no profit, no loss’ basis for the past three years. She emerged as the top candidate among 15 aspirants during a driving test and interview.

Driving has been Anju’s passion since childhood. She previously drove a taxi in her hometown, Bharmour, and always dreamed of becoming a professional driver. That dream came true after she completed 60 days of rigorous training at the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) driving school in Jassur. Trained to drive buses and handle emergency situations, Anju excelled in both practical tests and interviews conducted by the Foundation.

Originally from Bharmour, Anju’s family later migrated to Gangath in the neighboring Indora constituency. As the eldest sibling, she has embraced responsibility early in life. Anju will officially start her ambulance driving duties on May 1.

Akil Bakshi, Director of the Ranjit Bakshi Jankalyan Foundation, stated that Anju was selected not only for her driving skills but also for her understanding of ambulance operations and emergency medical equipment. “She is well-trained to handle patients’ needs during transit,” he said.

The Foundation’s ambulance has already covered over 60,000 kilometers and helped transport around 500 patients from the Nurpur area in the past three years.

The Ranjit Bakshi Jankalyan Foundation, established in 2021 in memory of former Nurpur MLA Ranjit Bakshi, has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged families. Led by Akil Bakshi—who cleared the UPSC exam in 2012 and served as a Divisional Manager in Indian Railways—the Foundation tirelessly supports needy families through various welfare initiatives.

Anju Bala’s inspiring journey stands as a powerful example of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving society.