A doctor's reflection on medicine, mankind

Dr R K Katoch

In the rich tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir's healthcare history, Dr Parveen Yograj stands as a beacon of unwavering service and quiet excellence. A true son of the soil, he retired on 30 November 2023 as Medical Superintendent of Government Hospital Gandhinagar, Jammu, after a remarkable 42-year career that began in 1982 when he joined the MBBS programme at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu. As his four decades of dedicated service concluded in 2024, Dr Yograj did not step away from the profession but instead channelled his experiences into an extraordinary book - 42 Years, 42 Lessons: A Doctor's Journey Through Medicine, Duty & Destiny. Published on 19 April 2026 by Sabre & Quill Publishers, Delhi, the volume is already generating tremendous excitement. It is readily available online from the publishers' website and on Amazon, with surging online purchases reported across India. Young doctors, aspiring medical professionals and motivated youth are particularly drawn to it - not only for its motivational depth but also for chapters that read like gripping, edge-of-the-seat real-life narratives.

Far from being a mere memoir of achievements, 42 Years, 42 Lessons is, as the publishers aptly describe, "a reflection of a life shaped by service, resilience, and humanity." Drawn from over four decades of rich experience, the book presents 42 powerful lessons born out of real-life situations inside operation theatres, emergency wards, border outposts and moments of quiet introspection. It traces Dr Yograj's evolution from a young medical student to a seasoned clinician, from a physician to the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir for nearly two decades (1999-2020) to a visionary healthcare administrator navigating complex systems. Even today, post-retirement, the author remains actively engaged in clinical practice and mentoring young doctors, staying deeply connected to patients and the evolving landscape of medicine.

Each lesson transcends clinical medicine to embody universal values - compassion, integrity, courage and humility. Rooted firmly in the resilient spirit of Jammu and Kashmir, the book mirrors the dignity and determination of its people while serving as a profound source of motivation for budding doctors and young professionals. It reminds readers that medicine is not merely a career but a lifelong commitment to learning, service and humanity.

The narrative opens with visceral accounts that capture the essence of grassroots medical practice in challenging times. One chapter vividly recounts a midnight emergency managed under the flickering light of a kerosene lamp in a remote health centre, underscoring the dedication required when infrastructure was minimal. Another describes a tense encounter with terrorists, illustrating how doctors in J&K have often balanced healing with the shadow of conflict. The book reaches an emotional peak with Dr Yograj's historic role as the first healthcare worker in India to receive the Covid-19 vaccine on 16 January 2021 - a symbolic moment of leadership during the pandemic. Readers are equally riveted by the account of a complex surgical complication that was deftly managed, showcasing clinical acumen under pressure.

Dr Yograj's transformative leadership at Government Hospital Gandhinagar forms the heart of several chapters. Under his stewardship, the hospital earned the prestigious Kayakalp Award for cleanliness, was declared completely junk-free, and pioneered several landmark initiatives. These include the launch of the E-Sahaj HMIS digital portal that revolutionised hospital management across J&K, the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools, and the introduction of advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy and echocardiography at the district level. NITI Aayog's laudatory remarks on the DNB postgraduate training programme in Jammu and Kashmir stand as a testament to these reforms. Smaller yet significant victories, such as the eviction of an unauthorised shop from hospital premises, restored the sanctity of a healing space and reinforced institutional discipline.

The book's canvas stretches beyond Jammu and Kashmir. A standout chapter details Dr Yograj's participation in the Joint Supportive Supervision Mission (JSSM) on cancer screening in Madhya Pradesh, culminating in a memorable tribal get-together at the remote Patalkot area. The cultural warmth and community engagement in this episode captivate readers and highlight his commitment to public health outreach in diverse terrains. Equally compelling are accounts of border-area post-mortems at the AD Pindicharkan post and a surgical crisis successfully resolved at Chakroi hospital in RS Pura. Two particularly powerful chapters address mob violence - one at GMC Jammu in 1996 and another at Gandhinagar Hospital in 2023 - candidly noting how interactions with patients and attendants can sometimes turn life-threatening for healthcare workers. These reflections offer practical lessons on de-escalation, empathy and the urgent need for systemic safeguards.

Dr Yograj's two decades as personal physician to the Chief Ministers provide rare, humanising insights into J&K's political leadership. Anecdotes involving Dr Farooq Abdullah, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, and the Kullu-Leh episode featuring Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Mrs Gulshan Ara (wife of late Mufti Sayeed) are both historically valuable and emotionally resonant. A touching tribute to late Dr D.B. Sharma, the legendary paediatrician of Jammu, honours the mentors who shaped generations. Social initiatives receive prominent space: free Fibroscan camps at his clinic, mental health awareness programmes at the Ambphalla Old Age Home in technical partnership with HelpAge India, promotion of the Dogri language, and the week-long World Breastfeeding Week celebrations organised in collaboration with AIIMS Jammu. The palliative care documentary by Singapore's Lien Foundation, filmed at Gandhinagar Hospital and aired on the BBC, is highlighted as a global recognition of local compassion.

What elevates 42 Years, 42 Lessons is its motivational core. Each of the 42 lessons is distilled with the wisdom of lived experience - from remaining calm in crises to blending clinical excellence with administrative innovation, from the healing power of empathy to the duty of lifelong learning and giving back to society. Young doctors across India are turning to these pages for guidance on ethical dilemmas, bureaucratic challenges and emotional resilience. For the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, it reaffirms that merit, integrity and relentless service can overcome even the most testing circumstances.

In an age when public institutions often face cynicism, Dr Parveen Yograj's book stands as a beacon of optimism. It reaffirms that medicine is a noble calling demanding courage, creativity and an unshakeable commitment to humanity. Sabre & Quill Publishers have produced a handsome volume that beautifully complements the content. Available on Amazon and the publishers' platform, 42 Years, 42 Lessons is essential reading for medical students, practising doctors, administrators, policymakers and general readers alike.

Dr Parveen Yograj has lived duty and destiny with distinction for 42 years. Through this remarkable book, he invites every reader to draw strength from his lessons and carry forward the torch of compassionate service.