Chandigarh, August 15
PGIMER marked the 80th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration led by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER. The festivities began with the ceremonial unfurling of the national flag and Guard of Honour, followed by a soulful rendition of ‘Mera Rang De Basanti Chola’ and vibrant cultural dance performances by nursing officers. The celebrations brought together the PGI fraternity in an atmosphere of solemn pride, unity and renewed commitment to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Lal paid a heartfelt tribute to the Institute’s Karmayogis—“those who shed every drop of their sweat for the patients of PGI. Beyond the welfare of the patient, nothing else matters to them; nothing comes before the patient’s interests.” He described their unwavering commitment to patient care as PGIMER’s greatest achievement and enduring source of strength.
Describing the occasion as particularly special, Prof. Lal fondly recalled the Prime Minister’s visit to Chandigarh last month and the inauguration of PGIMER’s advanced healthcare centres. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister went out of his way to acknowledge the glory of PGI,” the Director said, adding, “From my heart came one thought: his words were a victory for all of us.”
With over 30 lakh patients seeking care at PGIMER, Prof. Lal acknowledged the enormous responsibility on the Institute. “We may have many things to offer, but when nearly 30 lakh patients come to us, even all that sometimes falls short of meeting the enormous demand. But your commitment and your dedication—that is what keeps PGI going.”
Drawing inspiration from the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s legendary stand at Rezang La, Prof. Lal spoke of the extraordinary courage and determination displayed by the soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds. Drawing a parallel with PGIMER’s responsibility towards patients, he said, “The battlefield is different, but the commitment is the same. The soldier does not step back when the odds are against him; similarly, at PGI, when a patient comes to us, we cannot step back because the challenge is difficult. We have to do whatever we can, with whatever resources we have, for our patients.”
Prof. Lal congratulated the team for addressing the long-pending issue of around 1,200 promotions pending since 1992, describing it as an important recognition of employees who have served the Institute for decades. He emphasised that employee welfare and timely career progression were integral to sustaining morale and commitment.
Highlighting PGIMER’s recent national recognition in organ transplantation, Prof. Lal referred to the Institute’s *third consecutive Best ROTTO Award.* Recalling his response to the appreciation by Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Patel at the award ceremony, he said, “We do whatever we can, with whatever we have at our disposal, for our patients. We do whatever is possible with the resources available to us, and we will continue to do so.”