Dr. Kamphereii Pala's journey from the suffocating depths of illegal coal mines to becoming a doctor is an example of the power of the human spirit.
Pala, a 25-year-old resident of Moolamylliang village in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, is all set to step into the world of medicine, a stark contrast to his childhood spent risking his life in perilous 'rat-hole' mines.
Pala's story begins in the dark, cramped confines of these unregulated mines.
At a mere 12-13 years old, he was forced to squeeze through narrow openings to extract coal, driven by the need to support his family of six and pay his school fees.
His mother, a single parent with four children, also toiled in the mines, highlighting the desperate circumstances that push children like Pala into such dangerous work.
However, amid the hardship, a flicker of hope emerged. Pala secured an impressive 8th position in his Class 12 examinations, a turning point that ignited his determination to become a doctor.
This dream, though seemingly distant given his background, received a crucial push from several helping hands.
"My journey began in the dark, hollow pits of illegal coal mines, where I worked to fund my education and support my mother," Pala recalls.
"I secured the 8th position in Class 12 exams, a turning point that fueled my resolve to become a doctor," he said.
During his school days, particularly in classes 8, 9, and 10, he earned Rs. 500 to 600 daily by crawling over 200 meters inside the mines. His grueling work helped sustain his family financially.
Pala vividly remembers a terrifying incident when he got lost in the labyrinthine coal mine one winter. "I thought it was the end of my life. I cried for help, and luckily, the manager of the mine heard my cries and rescued me," he recounts.
From a young age, he took on various jobs to help his family. "I started working in class 4 or 5, doing jobs in shops, as a handyman, and eventually as a coal miner," he says.
His hard work and perseverance paid off. Dr. Pala is now interning at Guwahati Medical College and plans to specialise in pediatrics.
"I want to serve my people in the East Jaintia Hills district. By becoming a pediatrician, I hope to address the cycle of poverty resulting from early marriages and broken families," he explains.
Dr. Pala's journey has been supported by several individuals and organisations, including the We Care Foundation, founded by Gastroenterologist Dr. Bishnu Ram Medhi and David Kharsati.
Their mentorship and financial assistance played a crucial role in helping him pursue his studies.
Unscientific rat-hole coal mining, which involves extracting coal through narrow tunnels, was banned in Meghalaya by a National Green Tribunal order in April 2014.
However, illegal mining operations have continued to flourish due to poor enforcement of the ban.
Dr. Pala's story highlights the harsh realities of child labor in these dangerous mines and the transformative power of education.
His aspiration to serve his community underscores a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing a better future for the next generation.
As Dr. Pala prepares to complete his post-graduation in pediatrics, his journey from the treacherous mines to medical college serves as an inspiration.
Follow us
