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ibrant and deeply rooted. His parents, who immigrated from Punjab, instilled in him a strong sense of pride in his culture while also encouraging him to seize every opportunity in the UK. “Leicester was home to so many like me—kids navigating two cultures. It taught me resilience and the importance of community,” the Global Indian said.

Even with a strong community around him, Harroop witnessed the struggles many young people like him faced. High expectations, limited resources, and the challenge of fitting into two worlds were constant hurdles. “It was a constant balancing act—trying to honor my heritage while finding my place in a system that wasn’t built for us,” he explained.

Harroop credits his parents for shaping his values. “My parents always reminded me that success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about uplifting those around you,” he said. This mindset became the foundation of his work with BIMA.

Overcoming Challenges in Medicine

When Harroop began his medical journey at Imperial College London, he found himself facing many of the same obstacles he had seen growing up. As a first-generation medical student, he didn’t have family members in the field to guide him through the complexities of medical school. “The medical field is competitive, and for those of us without family connections or guidance, it can feel incredibly daunting,” he shared.

It was during this time that Harroop realized something needed to change. His challenges weren’t unique—they were shared by many British Indian students entering the medical field. This inspired him to create a support system that could fill the gap.

Building BIMA: A Platform for Mentorship

For Harroop Singh Bola, mentorship was a lifeline he didn’t always have access to. As the first university student in his family, Harroop entered medicine without any family ties to the profession. “In medicine, over a third of students have at least one physician parent. Although doors into medical school were opened for me, there were still locked doors that lay ahead,” Harroop shared.

This lack of guidance became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many students found themselves isolated and without support structures. Reflecting on his journey, Harroop recognized the value of mentorship. “To me, mentorship was seen as an unappreciated commodity, but with the right role model to inspire and provide opportunity, a lot can be accomplished,” he said.

Driven by this, Harroop co-founded the British Indian Medical Association (BIMA) in 2020 with Amar Rai and Virensinh Rathod to create a space for British Indian medical students and professionals. “We wanted to provide a beacon of opportunity where students and physicians could freely express their heritage, connect, and overcome barriers in medical school,” he explained.

[caption id="attachment_41672" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Harroop Singh Bola[/caption]

In four years, BIMA has grown into a thriving community with over 2,000 members. The organization has delivered 232 events to 7,400 students across 40 medical schools worldwide, run four mentorship programs for 250 students, and hosted national conferences, surgical skills courses, and networking receptions.

“Our mission is simple,” Harroop said. “We want to empower our community to take on national initiatives, become leaders in healthcare, and advocate for British Indian representation.”

With BIMA, Harroop and his team have unlocked doors for countless students, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey through medicine.

One of the most rewarding aspects of BIMA’s work has been seeing students who benefited from the programs come back as mentors themselves. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students we’ve mentored now mentoring others. That’s the kind of community we wanted to build,” he shared.

The Recognition of the Diana Award

Receiving the Diana Award was a deeply personal moment for Harroop. “This recognition is for everyone who believed in BIMA’s mission and contributed to its success,” he said. The award symbolizes what can be achieved when a community works together to create opportunities for others.

Harroop hopes the recognition will inspire other young people from the diaspora to step up as leaders. “The Diana Award is a symbol of what’s possible when we come together as a community to support one another,” he reflected.
Looking Ahead

As Harroop nears the end of his medical training, his vision for BIMA continues to grow. He hopes to expand the organization’s reach, collaborate with global medical associations, and create programs that address the specific needs of underrepresented communities.

“We’re just getting started. The goal is to ensure that no student feels alone in their journey,” Harroop said.

Harroop also believes that BIMA can serve as a model for other professions, showing that small, grassroots efforts can lead to big, systemic change.

A Legacy of Giving Back

At just 23, Harroop Singh Bola has already left an indelible mark on the British Indian medical community. His story is a reminder of what can be achieved through determination, a clear vision, and a commitment to giving back.

Through BIMA, Harroop has created a space where students can find the resources, mentorship, and representation they need to succeed. His work is empowering a new generation of British Indian doctors and proving that when communities come together, they can create lasting change.

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