Pioneer in Live Corneal Surgery, AIIMS Dr Jeewen Singh Titiyal breaks into tears at farewell, video goes viral
New Delhi: After an illustrious career spanning over 46 years, Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal, a distinguished ophthalmologist and Padma Shri awardee, has retired from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Known for his steadfast dedication to eye care and compassionate patient treatment, Dr Titiyal's retirement marks the end of an exceptional chapter in Indian medical history.
A heartfelt farewell video featuring Dr Titiyal has gone viral, showcasing the emotional farewell that he received from his colleagues. In the footage, the esteemed doctor could be seen still dressed in his hospital scrubs, walking through a crowd of applauding staff members, exchanging hugs and farewells with many of them. The video captures a deeply moving moment, with tears streaming down Dr. Titiyal’s face as he struggles to contain his emotions.
Jeewan Singh Titiyal was born in Tidang, a small village in Dharchula, Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. Choosing a career in medicine, Titiyal graduated from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and did his higher studies in ophthalmology at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS. He completed his senior residency in cornea and refractive unit from the same institute. Dr. Titiyal, on completion of his senior residency, joined the faculty of Dr. RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences itself, in January 1991 to kick start his career and has been working there ever since.
Rising up the ranks, he served as a professor there and head of the cornea and refractive surgery division unit. J. S. Titiyal, as a specialist in Keratoplasty, Refractive surgery, Stem Cell Transplantation, Contact lenses, Low Vision Aid, and Cataracts including Phacoemulsification and Pediatric cataracts has had several notable achievements during his career. He is reported to have performed the first live cornea transplantation surgery among Indian surgeons. He is credited with the first Intacs procedure for complex corneal problems. He has done successful surgeries on many eminent personalities.
Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal assumed the role of Chief of the RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences last year. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2014, he has an impressive legacy, including over 30 funded research projects, 400 publications, five books, and more than 75 book chapters, according to an AIIMS official. He was invited by various international and national scientific organizations to deliver keynote addresses, orations, and guest lectures, chair scientific sessions and demonstrate live surgeries, the official said. He holds the honour of being the first Indian to perform live surgery at ASCRS in the US.
Dr Titiyal has been awarded the ''Distinguished Service Award (2021) by the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, ''Senior Achievement Award'' by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2016), the ''Achievement Award'' by the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (2015), the APACRS Educator Award (2015), the prestigious RP Dhanda Award and P Siva Reddy Award by the All-India Ophthalmological Society and numerous gold medals.
Various social organizations have lauded his efforts to promote awareness among the public and he has been conferred the Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan Memorial Award (2020), Parwat Gaurav Samman (2019), and ''Uttarakhand Gaurav''(2011), and the prestigious "Rung Ratna" by Rung Kalyan Sanstha, Uttarakhand among numerous other awards. He currently serves as the president of the Indian Society of Cornea and Kerato-refractive Surgeons (2016 onwards). He has also served as the secretary (2003-2005) and president of the Delhi Ophthalmological Society (2013-2014).
Many have bid farewell to the doctor on social media platforms while acknowledging his dedication and hard work. One stated, “Respect' is the biggest reward in any profession! Dr. J.S. Titiyal, Padma Shri awardee and pioneer in live corneal surgery retires as Chief of the RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi.” Another platform stated, “End of an era at AIIMS New Delhi. Dr. J.S. Titiyal, Padma Shri awardee and pioneer in live corneal surgery retires as Chief of the RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences. Faculty members applaud with heartfelt respect, their eyes brimming with tears and honors.”
“Humanity and service have been his work. Emotional movements at the retirement time after years of service in Delhi AIIMS. The medical profession becomes proud only because of the service spirit of people like Dr. Titiyal,” commented another. Jammu And Kashmir Medical Student’s Association stated, “We honor Dr. Titiyal Ji’s remarkable journey, celebrating his achievements and the lives transformed through his tireless efforts. His legacy continues to illuminate the path for healthcare excellence. With profound respect and admiration.”
