Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday, 19 June 2026, met and honoured a distinguished group of professionals in Chandigarh, recognising their contributions to healthcare, public administration, and civic leadership under the hashtag #12YearsOfSeva.

Context

The minister called on Dr. Sanjay Bhadada, Head of Department, Endocrinology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh; Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia, a senior MS surgeon; DGP Gurjot Malli; former Mayor Subhash Chawla; and Dr. Monika Sood. The meeting, described by Dr. Singh as an 'aatmiya bhet' (warm, personal meeting), was an occasion to formally honour each of them.

In his post, the minister wrote that the contributions of such dedicated personalities in 'samaj nirman, shiksha aur sanskritik mulyon ke sanrakshan' — nation-building, education, and the preservation of cultural values — are 'extremely inspiring.' He offered his respects to their experience, guidance, and spirit of service.

Policy Backdrop

The hashtag #12YearsOfSeva marks twelve years of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government since May 2014. Periodic public recognition of professionals across healthcare, policing, and civic administration has been a consistent feature of the government's outreach during this period.

PGI Chandigarh is one of India's premier medical and research institutions, with its Department of Endocrinology holding national standing. The institute has been central to the government's broader push on healthcare infrastructure and medical research capacity.

Chandigarh, a Union Territory serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, hosts several central institutions and is a frequent venue for ministerial engagements that bridge the Centre and state-level leadership.

Stakeholders and Impact

The individuals honoured represent three distinct pillars: medical excellence through Dr. Bhadada and Dr. Bhatia of PGI; law enforcement through DGP Gurjot Malli; and civic leadership through former Mayor Subhash Chawla and Dr. Monika Sood. Such recognition by a Union minister carries symbolic weight for professionals in these fields.

For the medical community at PGI, the acknowledgement aligns with the central government's emphasis on health sector service delivery. For police and civic leaders, it underscores the government's narrative of honouring on-ground administrators who contribute to social order and community development.

What's Next

The #12YearsOfSeva campaign is expected to see continued ministerial outreach across states and Union Territories in the coming weeks as the government marks this milestone. Further recognition events in the health and home affairs sectors, particularly ahead of national commemorations, are likely. Dr. Singh's engagement in Chandigarh may also foreshadow references to healthcare infrastructure achievements in the next parliamentary session.