My journey to become a dentist began long before I entertained the idea of a career change. Born into a bustling household of five siblings, my childhood was a lively cacophony of laughter, arguments, and endless adventures.
Raised by strict but loving parents, I have learned the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age. My parents instilled a strong sense of discipline and responsibility, teaching me that success was not given but earned through dedication and determination.
Despite the chaos of a crowded household, I cherished the bond that was shared with my siblings. They were my closest confidants, partners in mischief, and my unwavering support system. Together, we navigated the ups and downs of childhood, forging memories that would last a lifetime.
As the middle child, I often found myself caught between the competing interests of my older and younger siblings. I learned the art of negotiation and compromise, honing my diplomatic skills at the dinner table and on the playground.
But amidst the laughter and camaraderie, there was also a sense of pressure to succeed. With strict parents who held high expectations for their children, I often have felt the weight of their aspirations resting squarely on my shoulders.
From an early age, I was encouraged to excel in school, pursue extracurricular activities, and strive for greatness in all that I did. Failure was not an option in the eyes of my parents, who believed that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success.
Despite the challenges I faced, my childhood was indeed a time of joy and discovery— A time when anything seemed possible, and the world was full of endless opportunities. It was a time that would shape me into the resilient and determined individual I would later become.
When I, first landed in Australia from India, I was struck by the vastness of the land and the endless possibilities that lay before me. It was a moment of great transformation, a turning point in my life that would set me on a path of self-discovery and growth.
In Australia, I got the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest scholars & friends in my everyday life. Their wisdom and guidance enriched my understanding of what lies ahead and inspired me to strive for excellence in all that I do.
Moreover, during my time mostly in Perth Western Australia, I have acquired invaluable skills that would serve me well in my future endeavors. From mastering the intricacies of the corporate world to honing my communication and interpersonal skills, here I emerged from my time in Australia as a changed man confident, knowledgeable, and ready to take on the world.
After experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Australian people during my transformative journey, suddenly, one day, I made the life-changing decision to make Australia my future home. I was drawn to the country’s diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth.
With unwavering determination, I embarked on the path to Australian citizenship— A journey that symbolized my deep-rooted connection to my newly adopted abode and my commitment to building a brighter future for myself and my family. After years of hard work and dedication, I proudly received Australian citizenship, a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of my extraordinary journey. For many people and even friends, it was unbelievable. At forty-three, I have spent over a decade navigating the intricacies of human resources in the corporate world. But beneath the veneer of success, there lingered a persistent whisper of unfulfilled dreams—a longing that had been buried beneath the weight of bills, mortgages, and the responsibilities of providing for his family.
During a flight to Sydney one morning, I met an Australian Aboriginal young man sitting beside me. The man’s name was David (changed name), and he was completely edentulous— missing all his teeth. I was shocked and saddened by David’s plight, realizing the extent of dental disparities faced by Aboriginal communities in Australia.
The encounter with David stirred something within me—a deep-seated desire to make a difference, not just in his own life but in the lives of others. This has started to be resolved with newfound skills as a dentist to address the oral health needs of Aboriginal communities, to provide them with the care and support they so desperately needed, and the quest started.
And as I started reviewing my situation of embarking on my journey to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a dentist, I, carried with me the lessons I learned during those formative years— a deep-rooted belief in the power of perseverance,the importance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit.
And, one ordinary morning, inside my Sydney hotel room, as sunlight streamed through the blinds of my modest apartment, I awakened with a sudden clarity that startled me. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, jolting me out of the monotony of my routine: I wanted to become a dentist…….seems enlightenment about what Buddha had.
The thought seemed absurd at first, a whimsical notion born of a midlife crisis perhaps. But the more I pondered it, the more it felt like an undeniable truth—a calling I had ignored for far too long.
With a newfound sense of purpose coursing through my veins, I decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. I have started devouring books on dentistry with the fervor of a student hungry for knowledge, immersing myself in the intricacies of oral anatomy and dental procedures.
But knowledge alone was not enough. I knew that to pursue my dream, I would need formal education and training. It was a daunting prospect for someone who had spent the better part of his adulthood in a completely different field. Doubt crept in, whispering insidious questions about my age, qualifications, and my ability to start anew.
Yet, with each doubt that surfaced, I countered it with determination. And, I have started applying to Australian universities (2018) for undergraduate dental studies, hoping to fulfill my dreams abroad. However, despite my best efforts, all my applications were declined, leaving me disheartened but not defeated.
Undeterred, I cast my net a little wider, exploring other options for pursuing my education. I discovered that Malaysia offered reputable dental undergraduate programs and decided to embark on a new chapter of my journey in a land far from home.
Ultimately, COVID put a halt on every earthly movement, but I have joined Mahsa University for undergrad dentistry study (2020).
Landed in Malaysian territory in 2023, I found myself grappling with a new language, a new curriculum, and a new way of life. The culture shock was palpable, as I navigated the complexities of Malaysian society and academia with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
Every day brought new challenges, from deciphering lectures in a quite unfamiliar situation to mastering the intricacies of Malaysian customs and social norms. I found myself surrounded by classmates who were half my age, with backgrounds and experiences vastly different from my own. As I delved deeper into my studies, I discovered a passion I had never known—an unspoken joy that blossomed within me every time I learned something new, every time I took another step closer to my dream.
Loneliness became my constant companion, a silent shadow that followed me everywhere. At times, I longed for the familiarity of home, for friends and family who understood me and supported my dreams. Instead, I found myself in little awkward circumstances which is obvious, but ridiculed for my age, my etiquette, and perceived shortcomings.
The struggle to adjust was real, as I grappled with doubts and insecurities about my ability to keep up with my younger peers, at times, I felt like an outsider, a square peg in a round hole, struggling to find my place in a world that seemed determined to cast me aside, sigh…….
But through it all, I refused to give up. I sought solace in my studies, throwing myself into my coursework with a determination born of desperation. I sought out mentors and friends who offered guidance and support, finding comfort in their shared experiences and struggles.
Yet, struggling with each doubt that surfaced, I countered it with determination. I have researched scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, but unfortunately, none materialized. Even some of my best friends declined to financially support me, citing their own obligations and uncertainties.
Undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I have resolved to sell off my inherited property back in India, one by one, to finance my education. It was a bittersweet decision, parting with the tangible remnants of my past to secure a future filled with possibility. It was a chaotic situation when people and acquaintances started condemning me for my action to sell off my inheritance, quite a disturbing scenario, yet I moved on with this decision.
With each property sold, I felt a pang of nostalgia mingled with anticipation. I bid farewell to some of the ancestral homes where I had spent my childhood, to the fields where I had played with friends, and to the memories etched into every corner of my family estate.
But amidst the farewells, there was a glimmer of hope—a beacon guiding me towards a new beginning. Armed with the proceeds from my ancestral properties, I embarked on a journey to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a dentist.
The road ahead was long and arduous, fraught with challenges both academic and financial. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, moments when I questioned the wisdom of my choices. But with each setback, I found renewed strength and determination, fuelled by the unwavering belief that my dream was worth every sacrifice, with tearful eyes I accepted this notion that now the sky is the limit, and there is no turning back.
In the depths of despair, I found resilience—a strength I never knew I possessed. I, ultimately turned my struggles into fuel for my determination, my loneliness into a beacon guiding me toward my dream and goal.
And it was during this tumultuous time that I had the good fortune of meeting Professor Rosnah, a well-known dental professional & educator from Malaysia, who had studied in Australia. Prof Rosnah took me under her wings, more like a mother, offering me guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support every step of the way, amazingly divine, she offered me her unconditional support, she offered me everything, whatever a son can imagine from her mother, and at times, more actually.
With Prof Rosnah’s mentorship, I began to find my footing in the unfamiliar terrain of Malaysian academia. I drew strength from her wisdom and experience, learning not only the intricacies of dentistry but also the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Together, I navigated the challenges of my undergraduate studies, overcoming obstacles and setbacks with grace and determination, visualising, my day, that one day, Ravi standing before the gathered crowd, clad in my graduation cap and gown, I, often couldn’t help but smile—a genuine, heartfelt smile that reflected the journey I have undertaken, the obstacles I have overcome, and the dreams I have dared to pursue.
For me, age was no longer a barrier; it was a badge of honor—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lay within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. And as I stepped out into the world, ready to embark on the next chapter of my life as a qualified dentist, I, very well knew one thing for certain: it was never too late to chase a dream, to embrace a passion, to become the person you were always meant to be. And indeed, I owed it all to the unwavering support and guidance of Prof Rosnah, my great mentor, a kind & soulful lady, a great teacher, and administrator, and above all a true god-fearing person and my guiding light.
Despite the disappointment of not being able to study undergrad in Australia, I found inspiration in the journey itself. I have realized that sometimes the path we envision for ourselves diverges from reality, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on our dreams. Instead, it’s an opportunity to forge a new path, discover unexpected opportunities, and prove to ourselves and others that passion knows no boundaries.
At times, In the middle of the night, when nightmares and tears threatened to consume me, I found solace in the knowledge that I am on the right path—that every hardship, every moment of uncertainty, was simply a stepping stone on my journey toward greatness. And as I wiped away my tearsand faced the darkness with renewed determination, I knew that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, I would overcome them.
Despite my unwavering determination, I found myself struggling with the fast-paced demands of my undergrad dental studies in Malaysia. The relentless pressure to perform weighed heavily on my shoulders, and there were moments when I felt utterly exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.
As the weeks turned into months, I found myself grappling with a sense of inner turmoil—a soul struggle that threatened to engulf me in its suffocating grip. Quite often I questioned my decision to pursue dentistry, wondering if I had bitten off more than I could chew.
There were days when I would sit alone in my room, staring blankly at my textbooks, unable to muster the motivation to study. The constant barrage of exams, assignments, and practical assessments left me feeling overwhelmed and defeated. But even in my darkest moments, I refused to surrender to despair. I reminded myself of the the journey I have undertaken, the obstacles I have already overcome, and the dreams that I had driven me.
In the end, my journey is not just about becoming a dentist—it is about discovering my own strength, resilience, passion, and capacity for greatness. And as I looked back on the path I had traveled, I knew that every obstacle, every setback, every moment of doubt had been worth it, for it had led me to this moment—to a second chance smile that illuminated the path ahead with hope, with possibility, with endless potential.
Looking towards the future, I know my journey is far from over. Armed with newfound confidence and a sense of purpose, I was and I am determined to make a difference in the world of dentistry—to break down barriers, to challenge stereotypes, to inspire others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
With each patient I have treated(under supervision), each smile I have restored, and each life I have touched, I know that I am fulfilling a true calling—a calling that had once seemed impossible, but had now become my destiny and a reality.
And as I gazed out the horizon, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me—gratitude for the journey that had brought me to this moment, for the mentors and friends who had supported me along the way, and for the second chance smile that had illuminated my path with hope and possibility.
With resilience, motivation, and perseverance as my guiding lights, I know very well that the future held boundless opportunities for me to make a difference—to leave a lasting impact on the world and to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, because the dreams would never give up on your friends, they chase you, yes, they do, and it haunts you.
The road to becoming a dentist was fraught with challenges, both academic and financial. There were moments of frustration and exhaustion, moments when I wondered if the sacrifices were worth it. But there were also moments of triumph, moments when I glimpsed the future I was forging for myself—a future filled with smiles, both my own and those of my future clients.
Time flew, and my determination never wavered. I kept juggling my studies with work, sacrificing sleep and social outings in pursuit of my goal. And finally, after countless exams, interviews, and sleepless nights, today is the moment, when I donned the white coat of a dental student—a symbol of my hard-earned achievement and unwavering resolve.
For, in the end, it was not the challenges I have faced or the obstacles I have overcome that defined me—it was the courage to pursue my passions, the determination never to give up, and the unwavering belief in myself that had led me to this moment—a moment of triumph, of fulfillment, of a second chance smile that would light the way for generations to come.
My reflections/ story would certainly be echoed through the halls of academia, inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity, to embrace their dreams with unwavering determination, and to never lose sight of the resilience that lies within every one of us. And as I would took my first steps into the world as a qualified dentist, I carried with me not only the knowledge and skills I have gained, but also the unwavering belief that with perseverance, hope, resilience, and a second chance smile, anything is possible.

Meet Ravi Gunjan, an Australian citizen born in Bihar, India. Worked and prepared his own ground on an overseas territory Australia Financed his education in Australia through hard work. After a successful corporate career spanning over a decade, he followed his heart into dentistry in Malaysia. With expertise in education, technology, and international relations, Ravi’s passions include aeronautics (14 flying hours of C152), music, reading, and traveling to learn about diverse cultures. He actively serves his wider community, guided by the belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a Sanskrit phrase from ancient Indian scriptures, meaning the whole world is one family. Now through to the final few months of graduating from MAHSA university in Malaysia and hope to follow his passion for dentistry across the globe.
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