Dehradun, Sept 3 (JKNS): Padma awardee, President of AIIMS Guwahati and renowned orthopaedic and spine surgeon Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Singh Sanjay undertook an academic and social outreach visit to Sikkim, combining his long-standing mission of road safety awareness with academic engagement and a visit to the strategically important Nathu La Pass.
During his visit, Prof. Dr. Sanjay delivered road safety awareness lectures at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) and National Institute of Technology Sikkim (NIT Sikkim).
Addressing students and faculty, he emphasised that road safety is not merely a traffic issue but a major public health concern and national responsibility.
He stressed responsible road behaviour, adherence to traffic rules, avoidance of overspeeding, distracted and drunk driving, and proper use of helmets and seat belts. He urged students to become ambassadors of road safety and responsible citizenship and community leadership.
Prof. Dr. Sanjay also had the privilege of paying a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur Ji. During the meeting, he presented his book Bharat Mein Sadak Durghatnayen, co-authored with Dr. Gaurav Sanjay. The interaction focused on healthcare, education, road safety and social responsibility.
An important highlight was his visit to strategically important Nathu La Pass, where he was warmly received by officers and personnel of the Indian Army and briefed on its historical, geographical and strategic significance.
He was also briefed about Nathu La’s role in the ancient Silk Route, its strategic importance and significance for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and was presented with a memento.
Introduced as an additional route in 2015, the Nathu La route provides a more accessible motorable alternative for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, particularly senior citizens.
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi Ji had welcomed the opening of the route and highlighted its importance in making the pilgrimage more accessible and safer. The resumption of the Yatra from Nathu La in 2025 further reinforced its importance as a route of faith, connectivity and national significance.
Prof. Dr. Sanjay expressed gratitude for the warm and memorable hospitality and said that Sikkim provided an opportunity to connect healthcare, education, road safety, national service and social responsibility.
He appealed to policymakers to strengthen public education and effective enforcement of traffic rules, stressing that road safety must begin with awareness and responsible behaviour. He reiterated that every life saved on the road is a victory for the nation. (JKNS)
