Life is akin to a slowly winding river, taking us to our ultimate destiny with many curves and bends along the way. My journey began in my birthplace of Jamshedpur, Bihar, where I was the youngest of seven in our family. My life changed dramatically at a young age, as my father passed away when I was in 10th grade. He was a Chief mechanical engineer and was beloved by his community. Soon after my father’s passing, Ilearned that my parents had built a house in Amritsar, Punjab. My mother packed up our family and moved. This is the place I remember as home.
Growing up, I was the obedient and studious child among my siblings. I went on to attend DAV College close to my home, and medical school afterwards. I have fond memories of youthful play with my peers during these years and looking back I realize how young I still was internally. I was fortunate enough to grow a deep passion and love for not only medicine during that time, but also for playing musical instruments, dance, and singing.
Moving forward in my journey, I knew my heart was set on pursuing Internal Medicine but was met with some resistance along the way. An opportunity rose for me to move to the US for a residency in Radiation Oncology, which Igladly accepted. Later, Iwas able to switch to Internal Medicine and ultimately sought out a fellowship in Critical Care Pulmonary Medicine at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. This many miles away from home, Iwas shocked to find that myfellowship director, Dr. Vinod Puri, was a fellow alumnus of the same medical school | graduated from. He became my teacher, mentor, and lifelong friend.
Along this meandering life path, I met my wife, Harriet. We met in the US and decided to settle our roots in Battle Creek, Michigan. We raised two wonderful children, Chetan and Chantal. I haves p e n t most of my professional life as an ICU physician and director, embedded in and serving my community as my own father did. I unfortunately have also had my own experience as a patient in the ICU when I was hospitalized with a hemorrhagic stroke. I am continuing to recover from this while still practicing medicine and supporting my own patients.
It is incredible to reflect upon the many places the river of life has taken me along its course, and eagerly await my next destination.
