Chandigarh:
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, today formally inaugurated its New Academic Session 2026 at the NINE Auditorium, marking the beginning of a demanding yet transformative journey for hundreds of young doctors entering one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions. The ceremony witnessed the presence of senior faculty members, administrators, students and staff, reflecting the collective pride and responsibility associated with being part of the PGIMER fraternity.
The occasion was graced by Padma Shri Awardee Shri Ajeet Bajaj, renowned mountaineer, adventurer, motivational speaker and Brand Ambassador of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, as the Chief Guest, along with his daughter Ms. Deeya Bajaj, an accomplished mountaineer, as the Guest of Honour. Together, they hold the rare distinction of being the first Asian father–daughter duo to complete the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest—an achievement that symbolises resilience, discipline, meticulous preparation and teamwork.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ajeet Bajaj delivered an inspiring address, drawing compelling parallels between extreme adventure and the demanding path of medical education and practice. Motivating the new entrants, he said, “Dream big, work relentlessly, face the storms that will come your way, and never settle for being just a good doctor. Aim to be the best—not just in India, but in the world. If you combine skill with teamwork, ethics and compassion, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
Sharing insights from decades of high-risk expeditions across the world’s harshest terrains, Shri Bajaj highlighted what he described as a simple yet powerful formula for excellence. “The secret of getting to the top is the acronym TOP—T is for Teamwork, always putting your team before yourself; O is for Outlook, always seeing the glass half full; and P is for Previous Preparation. Whether you are on Mount Everest or in a hospital ward, these three principles decide success or failure,” he said, drawing sustained applause from the audience.
Reflecting on leadership under adversity, Shri Bajaj spoke about legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, emphasising the importance of optimism, adaptability and ethical leadership. He noted that even after Shackleton’s ship sank, he never allowed morale to collapse, led from the front, adapted continuously and ensured that no team member was left behind. “Leadership is not just about courage or strategy—it must be rooted in values, ethics and optimism. Especially in professions like medicine, leadership without values is incomplete,” he observed.
Speaking candidly about his own career choices, Shri Bajaj shared a life lesson on following one’s passion. He remarked that when one is deeply passionate about their work, it ceases to feel like a burden. “When you are passionate about what you do—as all of you are about medicine—you don’t work a single day of your life. Passion gives you energy, resilience and joy, even when the journey is difficult,” he said.
Ms. Deeya Bajaj, Guest of Honour and a role model for young achievers, held the audience’s attention with her reflections on summiting Mount Everest and her strong message on gender equality and empowerment. Emphasising the limitless potential of young women, she said, “If we support our girls, nourish them, and show them that there is absolutely nothing they cannot achieve—and keep reinforcing this through encouragement and action—we are headed towards an absolutely amazing and fantastic future.” Her words resonated strongly with students and faculty alike, reinforcing PGIMER’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
In their joint address, Shri Ajeet Bajaj and Ms. Deeya Bajaj urged students to embrace change, remain adaptable and treat challenges as opportunities for growth. Drawing an analogy between summiting mountains and professional excellence, they emphasised that each individual must identify and pursue their own “Mount Everest” with determination, humility and perseverance.
Earlier, welcoming the new entrants, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, delivered a stirring address that set the tone for the years ahead. Emphasising the institute’s rigorous work culture, he said, “For the new entrants, I have just one message—there are no free lunches in PGIMER. This is the greatest institute in India for medical care and research, and excellence here comes only through sustained hard work.”
Highlighting the immense responsibility borne by medical professionals, Prof. Lal reminded the young doctors, “We are paratroopers in white coats. People look at us for hope, support and mitigation of disease. Always remember the responsibility that comes with wearing this coat.” Encouraging perseverance, he added that the residents would serve as the spearheads of medical care in the region over the coming years and urged them never to quit despite challenges.
Expressing pride in the institution, Prof. Lal remarked, “It pays to be a PGI. A PGI always shines through,” while reiterating PGIMER’s core values of compassion, commitment and patient-centric care. Speaking on women empowerment and societal progress, he noted that empowering daughters is essential for national growth and a positive indicator of social advancement.
The ceremony concluded with Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, officially pinning the badges on the incoming residents, comprising 350 residents from the July 2025 and January 2026 sessions, symbolising their induction into the PGIMER family.
Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER, proposed the vote of thanks, urging the new residents to uphold and further PGIMER’s enduring legacy of excellence in patient care, education and research.
