In his address, Prof. Vivek Lal reflected on the significant achievements of PGIMER, emphasizing its role in shaping healthcare in India. “On this 76th Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone. This is a proud moment for PGIMER as one of our illustrious alumni, Professor Nagaraja Reddy, was honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan this year. His achievement is a testament to the excellence and values imbued in every PGI alumnus—Compassion, Commitment, and Devotion,” he stated.

Prof. Lal also celebrated the recent accolades achieved by the PGIMER fraternity. Dr. Jitendra Kumar Sahu was conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for Medicine, underscoring the institute's dedication to research and innovation, while Prof. Digambar Behera, a stalwart of PGIMER, was nominated as the President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS).

Prof. Lal commended the resilience and dedication of PGIMER’s workforce. “From residents working tirelessly on night shifts to staff maintaining cleanliness in the institute that serves over 30 lakh patients annually, every effort contributes to making PGI a trusted institution for millions. This devotion is what makes PGI stand tall as a symbol of excellence,” he noted.

Highlighting the institute’s special bond with the armed forces, Prof. Lal stated, “PGIMER holds a unique place in the hearts of our soldiers, with 8 out of 10 Army officers selecting PGI for their specialization. This speaks of the harmony, unity, and sense of duty that defines PGIMER.”

Prof. Lal further talked about the unique ethos of the institute, “PGI is more than just an institute; it is a family bound by shared values. The essence of PGI lies in going beyond the call of duty, with every member—from sanitation workers to senior faculty—contributing selflessly to its mission.”

Summing up, Prof. Lal reiterated his gratitude and admiration for the institute's Karmayogis: “As we celebrate the 76th Republic Day, let us salute the dedication and perseverance of the PGIMER family, whose efforts make this institution a beacon of excellence for the nation.”

The event concluded with the distribution of sweets, symbolizing unity and camaraderie among PGIMER staff, students, and residents. The day served as a poignant reminder of PGIMER’s enduring mission to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution of India—compassion, commitment, and devotion—and its unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare for the nation.