

PUNJAB EXPRESS BUREAU Chandigarh, January 7 “If you wish to give up any[1]thing, give up ‘giving up’ That’s the message I wish to give everyone and that’s the reason, I run every day.” This was the key take away from the highly in[1]spiring address by Major D P Singh, the Kargil War Survivor and India’s first blade runner as he spoke as the chief guest at the in[1]augural ceremony of the new Academic Session of PGIMER, attended by key functionaries, heads of the departments and newly joined residents keeping in sync with COVID ap[1]propriate behaviour here at Bhargava Auditorium, PGIMER on Saturday. “Losing a part of the body does not lead to dis[1]ability. Losing the will to fight our odds, does. Odds are in the head and not in the heart. Celebrate odds and be the winner,” stated Major D P Singh while he narrated his journey from being declared Dead” in an Army Hospital in July 1999 during the Kargil war to 14 years hence, returning as India’s first Blade runner, showing the world how the invincible spirit in a true warrior can make a handi[1]cap into a handy- capable person. Motivating the newly inducted doctors in an ex[1]tremely impassioned tone, Major D P Singh delved deep into the essential qualities of being suc[1]cessful as he highlighted, “Always, remember three important letters ‘ASK’ to be successful in life, which stands for attitude, skill, and knowledge. He further shared that ‘attitude’ is the most important aspect in life and that if one focuses on their goals with the right attitude, the other two fac[1]tors will automatically fall into its place. The humility personified Major D P Singh gave a very valuable life lesson to the new resident doctors as he aptly concluded,”Failure is important in one’s life as it teaches one to absorb shock and learn to adapt to difficult situations. So, don’t be scared of failures, lead the change and not wait for others to begin.” Earlier, Prof Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER while welcoming the Chief Guest recounted the deeds of valour of the bravehe[1]art as he said, “Major D.P.Singh’s journey from soldier during the Kargil War to marathon runner who overcame all odds – even cheated death – is stuff for celluloid.” The Director PGIMER urged the residents “to emulate Major D P Singh’s example of exemplary cour[1]age, unwavering commit[1]ment and ‘never say die’ attitude in the face of even worst of the circumstances.