Kargil War Survivor & India’s First Blade Runner: *Major D P Singh inaugurates PGIMER’s New Academic Session

Chandigarh : Jan 07 :

 “If you wish to give up anything, give up ‘giving up’ That’s the message I wish to give everyone and that’s the reason, I run every day.”

This was the key take away from the highly inspiring address by  Major D P Singh, the Kargil War Survivor and India’s first blade runner as he spoke as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the new Academic Session of PGIMER, attended by key functionaries, heads of the departments and newly joined residents keeping in sync with COVID appropriate behaviour here at Bhargava Auditorium, PGIMER today.

“Losing a part of the body does not lead to disability. Losing the will to fight our odds, does. Odds are in the head and not in the heart. Celebrate odds and be the winner.,” stated  Major D P Singh while he narrated his journey from being declared Dead” in an Army Hospital in July 1999 during the Kargil war to 14 years hence,  returning  as India’s first Blade runner, showing the world how the invincible spirit in a true warrior can make a handicap into a handy- capable person.

Motivating the newly inducted doctors in an extremely impassioned tone, Major D P Singh delved deep into the essential qualities of being successful as he highlighted, “Always, remember three important letters ‘ASK’ to be successful in life, which stands for attitude, skill, and knowledge. He further shared that ‘attitude’ is the most important aspect in life and that if one focuses on their goals with the right attitude, the other two factors will automatically fall into its place.

The humility personified Major D P Singh gave a very valuable life lesson to the new resident doctors as he aptly concluded,”Failure is important in one’s life as it teaches one to absorb shock and learn to adapt to difficult situations. So, don’t be scared of failures, lead the change and not wait for others to begin.”

Earlier, Prof Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER while welcoming the Chief Guest recounted the deeds of valour of the braveheart as he said, “Major D.P.Singh’s journey from soldier during the Kargil War to marathon runner who overcame all odds – even cheated death – is stuff for celluloid.”

The Director PGIMER  urged the residents “to emulate Major D P Singh’s example of exemplary courage, unwavering commitment  and ‘never say die’ attitude in the face of even worst of the circumstances.

The Director also stated that in the last 59 years, the institute witnessed a spectacular expansion from 230 beds to over 2200 beds by setting high ideals of medical professionalism in mitigating the pain and sufferings of those ailing and becoming the last port of call for patients with many serious and chronic illnesses, thereby, proving worthy of being a “institute of national reckoning.”

Prof. Prof. R Sehgal, Dean (Academic) conducted the pinning-up ceremony of resident doctors who had joined the Institute in July 2022 and January 2023 sessions.

Later, Prof. Prof. R Sehgal, Dean (Academic) thanked the newly joined students for choosing PGI, apprised them about the academic and social challenges ahead and exhorted them to conduct themselves with dedication and sincerity.

The inaugural ceremony was marked by the distinguished presence of former HODs & faculty members of the Institute, Sh. Kumar Gaurav Dhawan Deputy Director Administration, Kumar Abhay Financial Advisor, Prof. Ashok kumar, Dept. of Hospital Administration, Heads of the Departments, senior faculty and resident doctors of the Institute.