CHANDIGARH,15.08.26-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 Hon’ble 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.”

He also highlighted Project SARATHI, recalling how a small initiative at PGIMER has evolved into a national movement in patient care and facilitation, with recognition and support from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

Prof. Lal highlighted the dedicated Cardiac Emergency, which was announced on 26 January 2026, is now functioning at full capacity. The facility has strengthened rapid and specialised care for cardiac emergencies while improving patient flow. He further announced that 12 beds have been earmarked for PGIMER employees and their immediate relatives in the Emergency, with this support to be progressively strengthened within the Cardiac Centre.

Acknowledging every category of staff—from technical and security personnel to those working in the laundry and kitchen—Prof. Lal said their contribution was integral to patient care. Recalling his visit to the laundry, he noted that the dedication of the staff impressed him and led to the introduction of new equipment within a month to make their work more comfortable. He also praised the kitchen staff for their round-the-clock service and commitment to food safety.

Sharing an anecdote from the Paediatric Emergency, Prof. Lal recalled walking through the facility in an overall without being recognised as the Director, adding, “That is the power of commitment.”

Addressing the residents in particular, Prof. Lal expressed immense confidence in the quality of training and clinical exposure at PGIMER. “You are the best in the world,” he declared. Reaffirming his faith in the Institute’s residency programme, he said, “I firmly believe that the best residency in the whole world is at PGI Chandigarh.” He urged residents to recognise the responsibility that comes with being trained at one of India’s premier medical institutions and to carry forward PGIMER’s tradition of excellence, compassion and service.

Looking ahead, Prof. Lal said PGIMER must remain confident in its ability to embrace technology while retaining its human commitment. “If you think that we can counter the world based on technology, you are very sadly mistaken. Where there is commitment, there is victory. Where there is commitment, there is glory.”

Expressing hope for the proposed medical college, Prof. Lal said, “We hope again the Hon’ble Prime Minister comes to lay the foundation stone and by next year we should be having MBBS running.”

Referring to the recently installed monumental national flag, Prof. Lal said, “I felt that along with this flag, the pride and prestige of PGI would also rise to this great height—and remain there forever.” He stressed, “The responsibility of PGI is increasing day by day. But the shoulders of PGI never bend.”

Urging every Karmayogi to work with courage and dignity, the Director, PGIMER, concluded his address by thanking the PGIMER fraternity for its unwavering dedication and reaffirming the collective resolve, saying, “This commitment is important. And we have to take this commitment forward.”

The ceremony concluded with a tree plantation drive led by the Department of Engineering. Prof. Lal planted a Plumeria Acutifolia (Champa) sapling, marking the launch of an initiative to plant 300 saplings during the monsoon to beautify the campus, strengthen its green cover and enhance its micro-climate.

The celebrations concluded with the distribution of sweets, symbolising unity and camaraderie, and a collective pledge to uphold the constitutional values of compassion, commitment and devotion.