India celebrates National Doctors’ Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, by paying tributes to the selfless contributions of doctors and medical professionals. The ongoing pandemic we all are battling has reiterated the importance of healthcare workers like never before. Doctors have acted as our ‘superheroes’ and our rays of hope ever since the virulent virus made its ominous presence felt in the world.
However, in this hour of crisis the service rendered by the civil servants who have tirelessly supported us and been the backbone of governance come what may, must equally be lauded.
On this Doctor’s Day, The Optimist News got in touch with some officers who had been doctors in their professional life before stepping into the civil service.
Dr Anshu Singla IPS
Dr. Anshu Singla IPS
Dr Anshu Singla, a 2014 batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre who had donned the white coat before being an IPS, said, “The profession of a doctor and a police officer is similar in the sense that both these professions deal with problem solving. As a doctor one deals at an individual level and treats the biological diseases in the human system. But once you don the khaki you deal with the social diseases in the system as a whole, whether it is dowry, violence against women or white collar crimes. The joy of giving is similar in both the professions and is very satisfying. And the respect you get from people is highly gratifying as well,” said Anshu Singla IPS who is presently posted as the DCP NIT Faridabad.
“I am grateful to all the Covid warriors whether they are doctors, safai karamcharis and the medical fraternity,” was her message on the occasion of Doctors’ Day while for the citizens she shared, “We are accomplished only as long as you support and cooperate with us. Please do your duty and abide by the Covid norms and help us do ours. And by all means stay protected.”
Dr. Rohini Katoch Sepat IPS
Dr. Rohini Katoch Sepat IPS
Dr. Rohini Katoch Sepat who had also been a doctor before joining the Service said, “The role of a doctor and a police officer are largely similar. Both serve people and have a unique place in the society and cannot be individually compared with one another. Both of them are essential for a healthy and orderly world and share the ethos of public service which gives a sense of purpose in life. It is an honour to be either of them. For me it has been an honour and extremely satisfying to be both.”
For the doctors who are fighting it out she said, “Today, doctors are our main frontline warriors and the main source of our strength. they deserve utmost respect from us. We are extremely grateful as a society for their service and should be thankful to God that they exist.” Dr. Sepat is a 2008 batch IPS officer of Karnataka Cadre. She is presently on central deputation posted as the Assistant Director (Administration) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.
Dr. Akanksa Bhaskar IAS
Dr. Akanksa Bhaskar IAS
Dr Akanksa Bhaskar IAS, describes herself as a “Banarasi, doctor, IAS, in that order” in her Twitter bio. Even after cracking the UPSC in 2014 and joining as the SDO of Raghunathpur, Dr Bhaskar continued to treat poor patients at her area in her off days. While talking about managing both the roles of a doctor and an IAS officer, she said, “The roles have many similarities. Being a doctor gives you the discipline, patience and empathy to listen to the grievances of the patients and also gives you the scientific temper to find innovative solutions to long standing problems.”
This 2015 batch IAS officer from West Bengal cadre is presently posted as the Additional District Magistrate & AEO Zilla Parishad, Purulia.
On National Doctors’ Day, as we pay tribute to all doctors resolutely doing their work at the frontline to save lives during this pandemic, let us also acknowledge the inherent spirit of service and selflessness, in which their profession transcends all others.
