CHANDIGARH, 15.08.25-From Institute to Institution: PGIMER Marks 79th Independence Day with Pride and Passion
“PGI means responsibility and delivery—never giving up, but doing everything possible for the patient," stated Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, as he commended the institute’s healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment, passion, and dedication.

PGIMER marked the 79th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration led by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER. The festivities began with the unfurling of the national flag, followed by a Guard of Honour and a heartfelt rendition of ‘Mera rang de basanti chola’, by nursing officers.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Lal lauded the institute’s healthcare professionals, as he stated, “Once an institute, now an institution—this transformation has been made possible by you, the PGI team. PGI means responsibility. PGI means delivery. PGI means not giving up. It means doing everything possible for the patient. This unwavering commitment has elevated PGI into a true institution.”

The ceremony was attended by senior functionaries, including Prof. R.K. Ratho (Dean Academics), Prof. Sanjay Jain (Dean Research), Sh. Pankaj Ra i (Deputy Director, Administration), Prof. Vipin Koushal (Medical Superintendent), Sh. Ravinder Singh (Financial Adviser), faculty members, residents, nursing officers, and staff from across departments.

Prof. Lal reflected on the day’s significance for the nation and the institute, recalling PGIMER’s readiness during Operation Sindoor, when within 24 hours a team of volunteers—including drivers, nursing officers, resident doctors, and faculty—was dispatched to the border.

Prof. Lal also highlighted PGIMER’s agility and preparedness, citing the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir. “A team of doctors including Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Professor Neuroanaesthesia; Dr. Ankur Luthra, Additional Professor Neuroanaesthesia; Dr. Chander Shekar Gendel, Associate Professor Neurosurgery; and Dr. Aman Batish, Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery are already on their way to provide medical assistance in this critical situation.”

Paying tribute to PGIMER’s pioneers, including Dr. B.N.S. Walia and Dr. P.N. Chhuttani, Prof. Lal highlighted how their vision shaped PGI into a nationally and internationally recognized institution. This institution has actually helped shape civilization in this region,” he stated.

Prof. Lal noted PGIMER’s pioneering role in organ transplantation since its first successful procedure in 1973, its consecutive national awards for best public sector hospital in deceased donation and the recent Best ROTTO (Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation) award.

“Our institute has been among the front runners in organ transplantation, performing the first successful transplant as early as 1973. We continue to be at the forefront, as evidenced by the national award for the best ROTTO, which PGIMER has received for the second consecutive year on Indian Organ Donation Day on 3rd August.

Highlighting PGIMER’s key achievements, including its top position under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, having served over 170,000 patients, including 162 renal transplants, the Director said, “PGI stands out in the healthcare sector for its exceptional service, commitment, and impact.”

Among patient-centric innovations, he praised the launch of Amrit Pharmacy’s bedside delivery system, reducing queues and enhancing convenience, with similar digital systems being rolled out for other government schemes. “There cannot be more eloquent example of patient-centric care than online medicine indenting system, where medicines are delivered directly to the bedside by AMRIT employees, eliminating previous hassles and saving time for attendants.”

Prof. Lal also announced manpower approvals for the new Neurosciences Centre and Satellite Centre, Sangrur, stressing that with growing patient numbers, PGIMER’s responsibility—not its burden—has increased.

The ceremony ended with a tree plantation drive led by the Department of Engineering. Prof. Lal planted a chandni sapling, launching an initiative to plant 700 saplings this monsoon to beautify the campus and enhance its micro-climate.

The celebrations concluded with the distribution of sweets, fostering a spirit of unity among the PGIMER family.

Tree Plantation Drive at PGIMER

On the eve of 79^th Independence Day, the PGI celebrated the Tree Plantation Diwas by planting tree saplings in the campus. The Director, Dr. Vivek Lal after hoisting the flag at Kairon Block, kick started the campaign by planting Ervatamia divaricata(chandni) in the lawn of cafeteria of the PGI Institute. Besides this, Dr. Vipin Koushal, M.S., Lt. Col. G.S. Bhatti, S.H.E., Er. Sushil Kumar, H.E(Construction) alongwith other faculty members and PGI staff planted the saplings with the help of Horticulture Wing of the Institute. PGI is planning to plant 700 saplings of trees, shrubs and climbers in this monsoon season which will be helpful in beautifying & improving the aesthetics of the institute besides increasing the green cover of the Institute.