Chandigarh:- On a historic occasion of patriotism and national pride, today a grand hoisting of the 110 feet high monumental National Flag was carried out at the Kairon Administrative Block Complex of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh by the Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory, Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria.
The ceremony was completed in an atmosphere of patriotism and inspiration with the unveiling of the huge Tricolour amidst the dignified tune of the National Anthem. On this occasion, Shri Mandeep Brar, Home Secretary, UT Chandigarh; Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER; Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academic); Prof. Sanjeev Handa, Dean (Research); Shri Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration) along with senior faculty members, officers, staff and students of the institute were present.
Describing this occasion as a "glorious day in the history of PGIMER", the Hon'ble Governor congratulated the institute for the installation of the monumental National Flag and appreciated its excellent contribution to the healthcare services of the country.
He said, "PGIMER holds a highly respectable position in India's healthcare system. By installing this 110 feet high monumental National Flag, the institute has not only taken its prestige to a new height, but has also enhanced the pride of 140 crore citizens of the country. For this remarkable achievement, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Director Prof. Vivek Lal and the entire PGIMER family."
Mentioning the national prestige of PGIMER, the Governor said that this honour is the result of decades of dedicated service.
He said, "The position where PGIMER stands today is the result of the diligence and dedication of the entire institute. Not only from North India, but lakhs of people from across the country and abroad also come here for treatment. This itself is the biggest proof of the excellence of this institute."
Appreciating the achievements of PGIMER in the field of organ donation, transplantation and research, he said that "The national recognition continuously being received by PGIMER's ROTTO North (ROTTO North) is a matter of great pride. Very few institutes are able to achieve such consistent excellence. PGIMER's contribution in the field of medical research is also continuously strengthening India's global prestige."
Establishing similarity between the National Flag and the work culture of PGIMER, the Governor said,
"Just as the saffron, white and green colours of the Tricolour symbolize sacrifice, peace and progress respectively, in the same way the doctors, nursing and paramedical staff of PGIMER bring these values to life through their selfless service. Like the Ashoka Chakra, this institute is also continuously moving forward through research, innovation and excellent patient care."
He paid tribute to all freedom fighters including Madan Lal Dhingra, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Shaheed Udham Singh, mentioning the adoption of the Tricolour as the National Flag by the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947 and said that the National Flag still inspires every Indian with courage, sacrifice and patriotism.
Appreciating the operationalization of the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, the soon-to-be-started Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Medical College announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Governor said that these initiatives will further strengthen tertiary healthcare services and medical education in the country.
Praising the SARATHI (SARATHI) initiative, he said,
"SARATHI is an excellent example of service through public participation. By connecting thousands of young volunteers with patient assistance, PGIMER has developed a model which is being adopted by hundreds of hospitals across the country. This is a powerful example of nation building through compassion."
Calling upon all professionals associated with the healthcare sector, the Governor said,
"May the height of this flag also become a source of inspiration for the height of our national character. Greatness lies not only in buildings or modern technology, but in compassion and selfless service. More important than any degree is the spirit with which that knowledge is used."
Concluding his address, he paid tribute to all those doctors, scientists, teachers, researchers, staff and predecessors whose dedication has established PGIMER among the best medical institutes in India.
He said,
"Just as this Tricolour is proudly fluttering above PGIMER, in the same way, may it continue to inspire us to build an even stronger nation. Today people from India and abroad come here for treatment, which is the biggest proof of the excellence of this institute. It is a matter of great pride for me to get the opportunity to unfurl this monumental National Flag."
Welcoming the Hon'ble Governor on this occasion, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER said that this monumental National Flag will remain a permanent symbol of India's unity, sacrifice and resolve for nation building.
Mentioning the rapid expansion of the institute, he said,
"PGIMER is continuously moving towards new heights. The Advanced Neurosciences Centre has become fully operational and the Advanced Mother and Child Centre will also soon become fully functional. Our resolve is to provide state-of-the-art technology and best healthcare services to the countrymen."
Prof. Vivek Lal further said,
"PGIMER has always been synonymous with compassion, quality healthcare services and state-of-the-art technology. Whatever facility will be in the interest of our patients, we will continuously strive to make it available in the institute. Living up to the trust that the country has placed in us through innovation, research and selfless service is our highest priority."
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academic) and the National Anthem.
The installation of the 110 feet high monumental National Flag is another historic achievement in the development journey of PGIMER, which is a symbol of the institute's unwavering commitment towards service to the nation, excellent healthcare services, medical education and research.