Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, a distinguished ophthalmologist and Padma Shri awardee, retired from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, after an extraordinary 46-year career. His emotional farewell, marked by heartfelt tributes from colleagues, encapsulated his immense contributions to Indian medicine, particularly in the field of ophthalmology.

The farewell ceremony, a poignant moment, captured widespread attention on social media. A video showcasing Dr. Titiyal’s final walk through the hospital’s corridors revealed his deep connection with his peers. Wearing his scrubs, he paused frequently to embrace colleagues amid resounding applause. Tears streamed down his face as he bid goodbye to the institution where he had dedicated nearly half a century of his life. Fellow doctors were also seen overcome with emotion, reflecting the profound camaraderie and respect he inspired.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Titiyal shared, “The operation theatre has been my second home, and leaving this institute is incredibly emotional for me.”

A legacy built over decades

Dr. Titiyal’s association with AIIMS began in 1978 as an MBBS student. Rising through the ranks, he eventually led the Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, leaving an indelible mark as a pioneer in eye care. Recognized for his expertise in cataract surgery and corneal diseases, he trained over 1,000 medical students, fostering excellence in clinical care and education.

Throughout his career, Dr. Titiyal achieved numerous milestones. In 1991, he joined AIIMS as a faculty member and became a professor in 2005. His leadership of the Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery Services saw significant advancements, and his tenure as Chief of the RP Centre from 2021 brought further innovation.

Among his trailblazing achievements, Dr. Titiyal became the first in India to perform INTACS, a specialized procedure for correcting complex corneal issues like myopia. He was instrumental in establishing the National Ophthalmic Surgical Skill Development Centre (NOSSDC), which transformed surgical training for residents across India.

Tributes pour in

Dr. Namrata Sharma, a professor at the RP Centre, praised Dr. Titiyal’s unmatched dedication, saying, “His contributions to patient care, teaching, and research have left a lasting legacy. His leadership was truly exemplary.”

Under his stewardship, the RP Centre witnessed advancements in technology and infrastructure, cementing its reputation as a leader in ophthalmic care.

As Dr. Titiyal steps away from his illustrious career, his legacy of compassion, innovation, and excellence continues to inspire a new generation of medical professionals. For many, his journey is a testament to the profound impact of dedication and vision in transforming lives.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he sent a ‘chadar’ to Ajmer Dargah, asserting that the government should take action to prevent legal disputes over existing mosques and Dargahs.

He explained that the gesture of sending the ‘chadar’ is intended to convey that the government supports those who have faith in mosques. However, Owaisi criticised the BJP and the Sangh Parivar for challenging the status of the Khwaja Ajmeri Dargah in courts, a tactic they have employed against other mosques as well. “The government’s primary responsibility is to halt such claims,” he stated.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju presented the ceremonial ‘chadar’ from PM Modi at Ajmer Dargah during the ‘Urs’ of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the same day.

When asked about the Prime Minister’s gesture, Owaisi pointed out that BJP and Sangh Parivar affiliates are initiating legal actions claiming that certain mosques are not legitimate mosques and that some Dargahs do not qualify as Dargahs.

He challenged, “If the Prime Minister desires, he can put an end to all these issues,” noting that more than seven such cases concerning mosques originate from BJP-led Uttar Pradesh.

Regarding the central government’s protest against China for establishing two counties, Owaisi remarked that the government is simultaneously seeking investments from China and tolerating trade imbalances with the country.

“This government is intimidated by China. What kind of protest is this? They are forming counties and building dams on our territory. Who will suffer from the dam’s construction?” he questioned, further asking why the government has been unable to prevent China’s actions.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while traveling to Ajmer for the ‘Urs,’ emphasised that the Prime Minister’s message was one of unity and brotherhood. He stated, “I am visiting Ajmer Dargah to convey this message.”

Upon his arrival, he was greeted by BJP leaders from the State’s minority morcha. Rijiju expressed hopes for a harmonious atmosphere in the country during the auspicious occasion and affirmed that everyone, regardless of their faith—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, or Jain—is welcome at the Dargah. He stressed that the visiting experience should be seamless for the thousands who come to the Dargah.

In response to a legal petition alleging that the Dargah was built over a Shiva temple, Rijiju maintained, “I am here to offer a ‘chadar,’ not to engage in controversy. I come with the message from the Prime Minister that everyone in our country should coexist peacefully.”

In November, a local court had accepted a petition asserting the claim about the Dargah’s location and issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The petition was filed by Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta, who urged the Prime Minister to refrain from sending a ‘chadar’ this year.

The ‘Urs’ is observed at the Ajmer Dargah to honour the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, with the Prime Minister traditionally sending a ‘chadar’ annually.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday for constructing a lavish “Sheesh Mahal” for himself instead of focusing on infrastructure development in the capital during his nearly decade-long tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, asserting that the AAP chief must be held accountable for this choice.

Speaking at an event to inaugurate the Sushma Bhavan, a hostel for working women managed by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Shah highlighted a variety of luxurious items and appliances present in Kejriwal’s official residence, expressing incredulity over some of the expenditures.

Shah reminded the audience that when Kejriwal entered politics, he pledged to forgo a government car and residence, promising a new era of political accountability. However, he noted that Kejriwal instead accumulated multiple bungalows, ultimately constructing a “sheesh mahal” spanning 50,000 square yards at a cost of ₹45 crore to the people of Delhi.

The term “Sheesh Mahal,” a colloquial Hindi expression for an extravagant home, has been frequently employed by the BJP as a jab at Kejriwal. Shah pointed out that while the AAP government failed to establish a reliable water supply system for residents, Kejriwal spent ₹14 crore on a water plant intended for his family of four.

“Kejriwal Ji, you must answer to the people of Delhi who are seeking explanations,” Shah remarked. He alleged that over ₹6 crore was used for designer marble, ₹6 crore for motorized curtains, ₹70 lakh for automatic doors, ₹50 lakh for carpets, and ₹64 lakh for smart TVs at the Chief Minister’s residence during Kejriwal’s time in office.

Shah further suggested, via a post on X, that Kejriwal should allow the public to tour his “Sheesh Mahal” so they could see the lifestyle of their chief minister firsthand. He recounted an encounter with local youths who challenged his assertion that Kejriwal had done nothing for Delhi, humorously noting their acknowledgment of the extravagant palace.

The Union Minister also accused Kejriwal of being complicit in various corruption scandals related to Delhi’s liquor policy, Mohalla Clinics, CCTV installations, and bus purchases.

He praised the late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj as a “fighting opposition leader” known for her significant contributions across key ministries. In contrast, Shah claimed that Kejriwal’s legacy would be overshadowed by corruption and self-interest.

“Delhi’s citizens are wise and cannot be misled. Kejriwal needs to justify his decisions,” Shah declared, reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to “honest and accountable” governance in the national capital.

With the Assembly elections in Delhi anticipated for February, the competition between the BJP and AAP is expected to escalate, unveiling a heated campaign season ahead.