Padma Shri awardee Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal retires after 46 years of service at AIIMS, farewell video goes viral

Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, a renowned ophthalmologist and Padma Shri awardee, retired from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, marking the end of an illustrious 46-year career dedicated to eye care and medical education.

A video capturing his emotional farewell has gone viral on social media, evoking widespread admiration. In the clip, Dr. Titiyal, wearing hospital scrubs, is seen walking through a corridor lined with applauding colleagues. The touching moment is filled with hugs and tears, highlighting the deep bond he shared with his peers.

"The operation theatre was one of the most important work areas for me, and thinking of leaving the institute made me emotional," HT quoted Dr. Titiyal as saying, while reflecting on his journey.



Dr. Titiyal’s association with AIIMS began in 1978 as an MBBS student. Rising through the ranks, he became the head of the Rajendra Prasad (RP) Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences in 2021. Over the years, he gained recognition for his expertise in cataract surgery and corneal diseases, mentoring over 1,000 students and advancing clinical care at the institute.

In 1991, he joined the RP Centre as a faculty member and was promoted to professor in 2005. He led the Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery Services twice, from 2005-2011 and 2013 onwards. His leadership brought significant advancements, including the establishment of the National Ophthalmic Surgical Skill Development Centre (NOSSDC), which revolutionized surgical training.

Dr. Titiyal also achieved a milestone as the first in India to perform INTACS, a procedure for complex corneal conditions. For his contributions to medicine, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.

According to an Indian Express report, colleagues praised his impact, with Dr. Namrata Sharma, Professor of Ophthalmology, stating, “He has left an indelible mark on patient care, teaching, and research.”