Ravi Rohmetra
ravirohmetra@gmail.com
Seven years ago, Jammu lost one of its most compassionate souls – Dr. Kewal Krishan Gupta, a philanthropist, humanitarian, and selfless social worker who devoted more than 65 years of his life to serving the poor and needy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Born on 8th August 1933 in Jammu, Dr. Gupta was the son of Dr. Lal Chand Gupta, the pioneer who founded Gupta Eye Lotion, City Chowk, Jammu in 1931, and Smt. Beera Devi. The Gupta family carried a deep sense of social responsibility and public spirit, which would shape Dr. Gupta’s entire life.
After completing his graduation, he gave up further studies to manage the free eye clinic established by his father to serve the underprivileged. For decades, long queues of patients could be seen outside his clinic, especially during the recurring eye flu seasons. The clinic became a lifeline for thousands – known across the region for free and affordable treatment, compassion, and personal care.
Throughout his life, Dr. Gupta remained a symbol of simplicity, humility, and kindness. His gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to service earned him the respect and affection of every section of society. Along with his illustrious father, he was regarded as one of the most beloved figures in the city.
Even today, during the seasonal outbreaks of eye infections, people still visit his clinic – many of them unaware of his passing – and leave with a heavy heart upon hearing he is no more. Such is the void left behind by his absence.
The Legacy of a Healing Touch
The Gupta Eye Clinic has been a centre of care and relief for over half a century, offering low-cost or even free treatment to those who could not afford medical help. Dr. Gupta devoted his life to continuing this noble mission, extending medical assistance to the poorest with patience, dignity, and love.
The Gupta family originally hailed from Ghoregali in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) and migrated to Jammu in 1931. Guided by a strong public spirit, Dr. Lal Chand Gupta established the clinic at City Chowk, where he began providing affordable eye care. His sense of duty, humility, and compassion quickly made the clinic a trusted name.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Kewal Krishan Gupta not only carried forward this legacy but elevated it through decades of dedicated service, earning immense goodwill among people from all walks of life.
An Enduring Example of Humanity
The founder of the clinic, Dr. Lal Chand Gupta, was deeply spiritual. Inspired by his mother’s teachings, he believed that serving humanity is the truest form of worship. This belief became the guiding principle of the Gupta family and continues to inspire their work to this day.
Dr. Kewal Krishan Gupta embodied this philosophy in its purest form. His compassion transcended boundaries of caste, creed, and colour. To him, every patient was a fellow human deserving of dignity and care. His selfless service and tireless work made him an icon of humility and resilience.
Even after his passing, his legacy lives on through his family. His elder son, Dr. D. P. Gupta (M.S. Eye), serves as a Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon, while his younger son, Ravinder Gupta, is an engineer. Both continue to uphold their father’s vision of helping the poor and needy in whatever way possible.
During his lifetime, Dr. Gupta’s contribution to society was widely recognized. He held esteemed positions such as President and Executive Member of several organizations, including the Akhil Bhartiya Mahajan Shiromani Sabha (Delhi & Jammu), Central Mahajan Sabha, Gandhi Seva Sadan, Arya Samaj, and J&K Social Sudhar Sabha, among others.
Though Dr. Gupta is no longer with us, his spirit of service continues to inspire generations. His name remains synonymous with compassion, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to humanity. He is remembered not only as a doctor but as a true humanitarian who touched countless lives.
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