When Hard Work Became a Destiny: The Journey of Dr. Azam Bangulzai
Success does not always come through easy paths. Some people fight against difficult circumstances and build their own destiny. Dr. Muhammad Azam Bangulzai a surgeon from Qalat district of Balochistan is a true example of hard work patience and determination.
Dr. Azam Bangulzai completed his medical education from Bolan Medical College Quetta. Very few people know that he was not only a student of this college but also worked as a daily wage laborer during the construction of the same college buildings to pay his educational expenses.
Student by Day Laborer by Evening:
Dr. Azam shared that during the daytime he attended classes and studied and in the evening he worked at construction sites as a laborer. After working late into the night he took some rest and then returned to his classes and library studies.
At that time his daily wage was only 30 rupees but this small amount helped him manage his educational expenses.
Studying Even During Labor Work:
Because labor work was a necessity he tried not to waste time. He often carried his books with him and studied whenever he got a chance during work.
One day while pushing a cart full of sand and cement to an upper floor the cart slipped from his hands and the cement fell down. Unfortunately the contractor was present at that moment. He became very angry and told Dr. Azam that he did not know how to work and dismissed him from the job. Instead of paying the full wage he paid only half (15 rupees).
A New Opportunity Through Radio and TV
Later Dr. Azam got an opportunity to read news at Radio Pakistan. After that PTV also invited him to translate and read news. This helped him financially and allowed him to continue his education without interruption.
When the Contractor Came as a Patient
After completing his MS in General Surgery Dr. Azam was appointed as a surgeon at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital.
One day while he was on duty in the OPD the same contractor came with his son for treatment. Dr. Azam recognized him immediately but the contractor did not recognize him.
Dr. Azam gave him VIP treatment. When the contractor asked how Dr. Azam knew him memories of the past were recalled. The contractor became emotional and apologized saying that he had treated Dr. Azam unfairly.
Dr. Azam replied calmly:
“You did not do any injustice to me. That labor job was not my destination. My destination is where I am today.”
Unable to See His Mother for the Last Time
Dr. Azam shared that while he was doing post-graduation at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) Karachi he had to perform an emergency surgery on a woman one night. At the same time he received a call from Quetta informing him that his mother had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
It was a strange coincidence that the patient he was operating on had the same disease as his mother. After completing the surgery he learned that his mother had passed away.
He said:
“Although I could not see my mother for the last time due to my duty I am satisfied that I saved the life of another woman.”
Pride in Hard Work
Dr. Azam Bangulzai says that whenever he passes by Bolan Medical College its hostels and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital he feels proud
