‘Like father, like son,’ holds true in the deep bond shared between the legendary philanthropist Dr R.D. Singh and his son Dr Anand Singh, who grew up to follow the values of rendering self-less service towards the less fortunate and respecting dignity of people, regardless. The son grew up to be a true torch bearer of using the medical profession meaningfully to alleviate the pain of the sick and poor.
-BY DINESH ANAND
Imbibing Values
The name and fame of Dr. R D Singh, a renowned surgeon in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, spread far and wide for charging a token consultation fee of Rs 10 from the poor from the time he started practice and even to this day! Behind this gesture and life-long devotion of serving poor patients was to up-hold the self-respect of patients from financially weak backgrounds and not be belittled for not affording to pay. Dr Anand believed in equitable healthcare for all, irrespective, and a birth right of the poorest of the poor. He led by example. His son Anand Singh, born in 1973, saw his father’s unique practice and the good deeds done by him, each day of his growing up years. That the greatest happiness lay in serving left an indelible mark in the impressionable mind and heart of the young boy, which was to stay and emulated when he donned the mantle of a doctor.
Academic Excellence
Brilliant in academics, Anand Singh, after passing Class VIII from Jyoti Niketan School in Azamgarh and Class XII from Wesley Inter College in 1992, enrolled himself in Sri BM Patil Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, and after completing his MBBS course in the year 1996, started his career from the same institution. He remains an inquisitive, observant and with a thirst for knowledge like a student even to this day. Dr. Anand Singh holds a DCH and FCGP degree and desires to go for higher studies and a Diploma in Family Medicine to the UK, and pursuing a Diploma in Cosmetology and Trichology, as well. He believes that it is important to be thorough in one’s speciality before starting a private practice, which would actually augur well for the patients more than the doctor. He supports the idea that one can continue to learn, but time challenges are always best if planned. His friends from the medical fraternity appreciate this outlook of Dr Anand, the reason why he is Lucknow’s most respected and sought-after paediatrician, general physician and cosmetology dermatologist.
His undying spirit to serve was the talk of the town during the Covid pandemic which won him accolades and recognition. He was honoured by the Defence Minister, Government of India, Rajnath Singh, in a program organized by the Lucknow Intellectual Foundation held at Lucknow in May 2022. Walking in the foot-steps of his father on self-less service to one and all, inspired Dr Anand to work fearlessly without any expectations to provide treatment to Covid patients, and putting his life to risk. This caught the attention of people, who hailed him as a true Covid warrior, further enhancing his eminence and respect in the medical world of the state.
Dr Anand also won the hearts and respect of people for rendering a unique social service and setting an outstanding example of service to humanity by adopting the injured girls in the firecracker blasts in Azamgarh, an accident that occurred a few years ago. He also adopted the Vanvasi Chhatrawas (Orphanage) run by RRS under the banner of Anand Hospital a couple of years ago.
Awards and Achievements
1. Fellowship in Family Medicine, Diabetes Mellitus and PC Paediatrics from MLCU, TMC and IMA.
2. Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine in Germany and an International Fellowship in Aesthetic and anti-ageing Medicine by the University of Greifswald.
3. Conferred “Pioneers in Health Care” award by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh in 2023
4. “Icons of India” recognition by two well-known publications
in 2022.