PGIMER, Chandigarh, is abuzz with excitement as it hosts the Global PGI Alumni Summit 2024, a first-of-its-kind event bringing together PGI alumni from around the world. With the event running from 25th to 27th October, the summit offers a unique blend of memories, learning, and camaraderie, celebrating PGIMER’s legacy and impact in the healthcare field.
At the formal inaugural ceremony of the Summit, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER & Organising Chairman of the Summit , expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Our journey at PGI is defined by a unique bond that binds us all—a testament to our commitment to excellence and resilience.” He highlighted the contributions of PGI’s founders in creating a global medical hub and acknowledged the tough residency program known for its low attrition rates.
“Our alumni network is a testament to our impact,” he added, referencing their significant contributions as he stated, “PGI as a thriving institution, not merely an institute.”
Prof. Vivek Lal also expressed sincere gratitude for the generous support, saying, “We extend our deepest thanks to Infosys for their generous donation of ₹150 crore towards equipping the upcoming Mother and Child Hospital at PGIMER. This contribution marks a significant step in strengthening our healthcare services for mothers and children. We also aspire to collaborate with more corporate agencies to support PGIMER under their CSR initiatives, enabling us to reach new heights in patient care and innovation.”
In sync, Prof. Arvind Rajwanshi, former Dean Research, PGIMER reiterated for financial support for social causes, highlighting that funds from alumni contributions will support poor patients and, if possible, create a fellowship fund as he urged, “PGI alumni should consider to consider even small donations, which collectively could build a significant endowment for PGI.
While addressing the audience, Prof. G.D. Puri, former Dean Academics, PGIMER expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Our esteemed alumni and mentors have profoundly shaped the PGI community.” He reflected on PGI’s enduring culture of discipline and dedication, cultivated by previous generations as he shared personal memories from his journey as a student to ARD President to Dean (Academics) of the institute.
Dr. Amit Chakrabarti, President-Elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, began by reminiscing about a poem he read over 40 years. Speaking candidly, he likened alumni’s journey from small medical colleges to PGI to transforming from caterpillars to butterflies, gaining confidence and skills. He highlighted PGI’s prestige and international respect, noting that alumni uphold its reputation, encouraging alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and expressed optimism for future gatherings, aiming to rekindle the camaraderie of their time at PGI.
Prof Ratti Ram, Organising Secretary of the summit wrapped up with a vote of thanks sharing his personal anecdotes, and concluded with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing collective effort over victory, celebrating the PGI community’s spirit.
Following the formal inauguration, a “Down the Memory Lane” video presentation followed in the “Alumni Reminisces” session that evoked nostalgia, capturing memorable moments from PGIMER’s past. This heartfelt session was a moving tribute to the indelible mark the institution has left on each alumnus.
Then followed the highpoint of the evening when the stalwarts of PGIMER were honored including former PGIMER directors Prof. B.N.S. Walia, Prof. Y.K. Chawla, and Prof. Jagat Ram. Additionally, former deans Prof. Sudha Suri, Prof. Amod Gupta, Prof. S. Varma, Prof. A. Rajwanshi, Prof. G.D. Puri, Prof. N.K. Panda, Prof. D. Behera (Dean Research), and Prof. A.K. Gupta (Dean Research) for their significant contributions.
The felicitations transitioned into a captivating cultural evening, brilliantly showcasing the extraordinary talents of medical professionals. The audience was mesmerized as performances ranged from a stunning violin recital to elegant classical dance to versatile singing to engaging mimicry. Each act was a testament to the diverse abilities that lie within this community of healers. This celebration not only highlighted artistic flair but also reinforced the unity and multifaceted nature of these dedicated individuals, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Earlier, the day began with departmental visits from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, providing alumni an opportunity to witness PGIMER’s latest advancements, interact with current faculty and residents, and observe the institute’s continuous strides toward healthcare excellence. The event was a chance for alumni to reconnect with their fields and contribute their expertise, marking a beautiful blend of tradition and progress.
With the final day on the horizon, the Global PGI Alumni Summit continues to honor the achievements and connections that make PGIMER a world-renowned institution. The gathering is not only a tribute to the institute’s past but also a forward-looking celebration of its role in global healthcare.
