Noted eye-surgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr Daljit Singh breathed his last in Amritsar on Wednesday morning at the age of 82. Many leading dignitaries of Punjab, including Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, mourned his demise.
Family sources said that he was suffering from chronic disease and was bedridden for a month.
Credited with isolating genes that cause congenital cataract in collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University, Dr Daljit was awarded the Padma Shri in 1987.
Dr Daljit was the one who introduced lens implants in the country. He also invented plasma scalpel for glaucoma and cataract surgery along with a renowned ophthalmologist Dr Fugo of the US.
With about 20 lakh surgeries in his credit, his prominent patients’ list included former President Giani Zail Singh and Haryana’s former chief minister Chaudhary Devi lal.
Besides being a renowned ophthalmologist, Dr Daljit also took a poll plunge during 2014 lok Sabha election.
Joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in its war against corruption, Dr Daljit contested his forst ever election against political stalwarts from Amritsar — Capt Amarinder and Arun Jaitley.
Following differences with the AAP high command, he decided to part ways and went on to join the Congress party.
Expressing sorrow over his demise, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder recalled Dr Daljit’s outstanding contribution in the field of Ophthalmology.
Capt Amarinder said Dr Daljit Singh, besides being a renowned ophthalmologist, was a soft hearted man and a great philanthropist.
“In the death of Dr Daljit Singh, a void has been created in the medical fraternity which will be difficult to fill,” he added.
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them strength to bear this tragic loss.
AAP’s ‘suspended’ MP from Patiala, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, also condoled his demise. “Very sad today as my revered teacher, my mentor, the legendary figure of Punjab, our beloved Dr Daljit Singh passes away today,” read his Facebook wall post.