Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Jan 7: 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. |
