Chandigarh, 05, August:In a momentous celebration of patriotism and national pride, the 110-foot Monumental National Flag was ceremonially hoisted today at the Kairon Administrative Block of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh.

The ceremony witnessed the unfurling of the towering Tricolour amidst the National Anthem, creating an atmosphere of pride and inspiration. The event was attended by Mr. Mandeep Brar, Home Secretary, UT Chandigarh; Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER; Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics); Prof. Sanjeev Handa, Dean (Research); Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration); senior faculty members, officers, employees, students and staff of the institute.

Describing the occasion as “a glorious day in the history of PGIMER,” Shri Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated the Institute on installing the Monumental National Flag and lauded its outstanding contribution to healthcare.

“PGIMER occupies a place of great honour in India’s healthcare system. By installing this 110-foot Monumental National Flag, the Institute has enhanced not only its own stature but also the pride of 140 crore Indians. I congratulate Director Prof. Vivek Lal and the entire PGIMER fraternity for this remarkable achievement,” stated the Hon’ble Governor.

Highlighting PGIMER’s stature among India’s premier medical institutions, the Governor said its reputation has been built through decades of dedicated service, “The place PGIMER enjoys today has been earned through the commitment of its entire workforce. Patients from across North India repose their faith in this institute every year. That trust is PGIMER’s greatest recognition.”

Applauding PGIMER’s achievements in organ donation, transplantation and research, he remarked, “The repeated national recognition received by PGIMER’s ROTTO North is a matter of immense pride. Very few institutions achieve such consistent excellence. Equally commendable is PGIMER’s contribution to medical research, which continues to enhance India’s global reputation.”

Drawing a parallel between the National Flag and the Institute’s ethos, Shri Kataria said, “Just as the saffron, white and green of our National Flag symbolise sacrifice, peace and progress, the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of PGIMER embody these values through their selfless service. Like the Ashoka Chakra, PGIMER continues to move forward through research, innovation and excellence in patient care.”

The Governor recalled the adoption of the Tricolour by the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947 and paid homage to freedom fighters including Madan Lal Dhingra, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Shaheed Udham Singh, saying the National Flag continues to inspire every Indian with the ideals of courage, sacrifice and patriotism.

Hon’ble Governor appreciated the operationalisation of the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, the upcoming Advanced Mother & Child Centre, and the announcement of a Medical College by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, stating that these initiatives would further strengthen tertiary healthcare and medical education.

Praising PGIMER’s innovative SARATHI initiative, he said, “SARATHI is an outstanding example of service through public participation. By connecting thousands of young volunteers with patient care, PGIMER has created a model now being replicated across hundreds of hospitals. This is nation-building through compassion.”

Calling upon healthcare professionals to uphold the highest ideals of the medical profession, the Governor observed, “The height of this flag should inspire the height of our national character. Greatness lies not merely in infrastructure or technology, but in compassion and selfless service. More important than any degree is the spirit with which that knowledge is used.”

Concluding his address, Shri Kataria paid tribute to generations of doctors, researchers, faculty and staff whose dedication transformed PGIMER into one of India’s finest medical institutions as he stated, “As this Tricolour flies high over PGIMER, let it inspire us to build an even stronger nation. Today, people from across India and even abroad come here for treatment. That is the true measure of this institute’s excellence, and I feel deeply honoured to have hoisted this Monumental National Flag.”

Earlier, welcoming the Hon’ble Governor, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said the Monumental National Flag would stand as a lasting symbol of India’s unity, sacrifice and commitment to nation-building.

Highlighting the Institute’s rapid expansion, Director PGIMER said, “PGIMER is growing from strength to strength. The Advanced Neurosciences Centre is operational, while the Advanced Mother & Child Centre will soon be fully functional. We remain committed to bringing the best technology and highest standards of patient care to the nation.”

Prof. Lal further emphasized, “PGIMER has always stood for compassion, quality healthcare and cutting-edge technology. Whatever benefits our patients, we strive to bring to this Institute. We remain committed to fulfilling the trust that the nation has reposed in us through innovation, research and selfless service.”

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics), followed by the National Anthem.

The installation of the 110-foot Monumental National Flag marks another milestone in PGIMER’s journey, symbolising the Institute’s enduring commitment to national service, excellence in healthcare, medical education and research.