Viral Video: Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal, pioneer in live corneal surgery, gets emotional farewell at AIIMS Delhi

Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal, an eminent ophthalmologist and "pioneer of first live cornea transplant surgery," retired after decades of dedicated service at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS). With a heart full of gratitude and eyes filled with tears, Padma Shri awardee Dr Titiyal bid farewell on Friday.

A heart-touching video showing Dr Titiyal breaking down in tears amid applause and cheers stormed the internet on Friday. Dressed in his hospital scrubs, he was seen in the video walking through a corridor lined with colleagues. The sound of claps reverberated in the air as he frequently stopped to exchange hugs with coworkers at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Many on social media shared the emotional farewell video and hailed Dr Titiyal's "tireless efforts" towards transforming lives.

"'Respect' is the biggest reward in any profession! Dr JS Titiyal, Padma Shri awardee and pioneer in live corneal surgery, retires as Chief of the RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi," Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani posted on X.

Following his farewell, Dr Titiyal was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, "The operation theatre was one of the most important work areas for me, and thinking of leaving the institute made me emotional.”

Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal's career

Dr Titiyal's exemplary career at AIIMS began in 1978 as an MBBS student. In 2023, Prof Jeewan Singh Titiyal was appointed the Dean (Research) at AIIMS Delhi. He retired as the chief of Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS Delhi.

Dr Titiyal was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2014 for outstanding contribution in the field of Medicine (Ophthalmology) by the President of India. He is celebrated as the first Indian doctor to successfully carry out live cornea transplant surgery.

Dr Titiyal also won the P Siva Reddy International Award (2021-22)—All India Ophthalmological Society and the RP Dhanda Award (2019-20) in the field of Cornea (Eye Banking & Keratoplasty)—All India Ophthalmological Society.