PM invokes Mahatma Gandhi, Vivekananda at PGI convocation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invoked Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda to state that doctors have a huge responsibility in serving humanity, especially the poor, even as he emphasised the need for holistic and preventive healthcare.
Citing Mahatma Gandhi's 'Talisman' exhorting all to act in the best interests of the "poorest and the weakest", he said, "Today, I too will request the same thing from you at this convocation function. You are going to move ahead with big responsibility, you are connected with a field where you just don't decide about yourself but others too.
"When you are in a state of confusion and unsure about a particular situation, when you think whether to do this or that, for a moment, just think about that poor man who may have played a role in your life, thought about you, remember him, the decision you are going to take will be decided automatically."

Addressing the 34th Convocation of the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the Prime Minister said that "if this remains the process of how we take our decisions (by keeping the interest of poor/common people at the top), then India will never face any difficulty".
Modi, who was the chief guest at the event that was also attended by Punjab and Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Chandigarh BJP MP Kirron Kher, among others, awarded gold medals to nine students for outstanding research and academic excellence.
Modi began his speech by referring to the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US, saying, "Today is September 11, but when we say it this way, one will not recall what had happened on this day. However, when we say 9/11, we immediately remember.

"How has this day gone down in history. On this day, an attempt to destroy humanity was made, thousands of people were killed. Today also is 9/11, when young doctors are stepping out from this institute to take upon the task of saving the lives of others. Killing is very easy, but one has to dedicate an entire life for preserving life," he said.
"Therefore, in your (doctors') lives, too, 9/11 holds special importance," he said.