“Doctors served as sentinels during Covid; vital to PM’s 2047 vision for a healthier, developed India,” says Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

🔴 Only journalist from India and Chhattisgarh recognised at the national stage for his fearless investigative journalism and commitment to public service

🟢 Experts raise alarm over rising legal, psychological and institutional challenges in India’s medical fraternity
at national UDFCON 2025 conclave.

By : Akshay Lahre
New Delhi/Raipur : In an inspiring affirmation of truth-driven journalism, Mukesh S Singh, News Editor of The Hitavada, Raipur, was conferred with the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Seva Samman during the UDFCON 2025 national conclave, held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.

The award was announced during the inaugural session by Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who holds the portfolios of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports. He congratulated the awardees warmly and emphasised the contribution of doctors during the COVID-19 crisis, calling them the “sentinels of the nation” and pivotal to the 2047 vision of a healthier and developed India, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Though the Minister had to leave the event midway due to urgent national obligations, the formal conferment of the honour was later conducted by senior dignitaries from the United Doctors Front (UDF), who saluted Singh’s enduring commitment to ethical journalism.

Delivering one of the most impactful keynotes, Prof. (Dr) B. Srinivas, DDG (Medical Education), DGHS and former Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC), laid bare the complex challenges in India’s medical education system. He spoke about the government’s active efforts to address the issues faced by Junior Residents (JRs), Senior Residents (SRs), Postgraduate (PG) and Undergraduate (UG) students through a mix of structural and supportive reforms.

Dr Arvind K. Drave, Senior Consultant with PGMEB-NMC, voiced deep concern over institutional ragging and the emotional trauma medical students often face—pressures that have tragically led to a rise in suicidal tendencies. His call for psychological safety and academic empathy was echoed by Prof. (Dr) Om Prakash, Deputy MS and Professor at IHBAS, who advocated urgent mental health reforms across medical institutions.

Adding a clinical psychological perspective, Prof. (Dr) Nimesh G. Desai, Former Director of IHBAS, pressed for a more proactive and preventive approach to mental wellness on campuses, urging early interventions and systematic peer-support mechanisms.

Meanwhile, legal intricacies surrounding medical practice took centre stage as Dr Sunil Khatri, Supreme Court Medicolegal Expert, and Dr Charu Mathur, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India, presented a compelling case for fortified legal protections for doctors. They cited alarming statistics on litigation and called for better awareness of medico-legal rights among practitioners and students alike.

The prestigious conclave—organised by United Doctors Front (UDF)—brought together top voices from the country’s medical, legal, and public policy circles to discuss systemic reforms and bridge policy with ground realities.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the organisers, Dr Lakshya Mittal, National President of UDF and chief architect of UDFCON 2025, said, “Mukesh S Singh’s bold and principled journalism has held power to account and protected public interest. His selection for this honour reflects the value of journalism that serves society without compromise.”

In addition to policy dialogue, UDFCON 2025 also spotlighted the organisation’s national campaigns such as Tobacco-Free Bharat, medico-legal awareness, and reforms in healthcare education.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic presence of UDF’s national core team, including Dr Arun Kumar, Dr Yagika Pareek, Dr Bhanu Kumar, Dr Rakesh Beniwal, Dr Amit Vyas, Dr Bharat Pareek, Dr Hritwik Bhardwaj, Dr Rhythm, Dr Shubh Pratap Solanki, Dr Mohammad Akil, Dr Gaurav Raj, Dr Yogendra Pal Yadav, Dr Hanuman Bishnoi, Dr Hemendra Shekhawat, Dr Prashant Sharma, Dr Manish Jha, and Dr Harshit Naraniwal, all of whom applauded Singh’s recognition.
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