Know Your Association President 2022-23

A doctor whose life's mission is to heal the sick and ailing, to give Hope where all seems hopeless, to bring new life into the world and happiness to many, describes in a few short sentences, our Incoming Association President for 2022-23, Dr Surjit Kaur.

Her early years were spent in Jammu & Kashmir where her father who was in the Armed forces was stationed. Even as a young girl her deep desire was to care for the sick. Her inspiration was Dr Mary Poonen Lukose, from Kerala who was an Indian gynaecologist and obstetrician and the first female Surgeon General in India. Dr Surjit went on to do her MBBS from Jammu & Kashmir, followed by her post-graduation in Anesthesia, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. She had found her calling - Care of women and girls. She worked in the Punjab Civil Medical services for 25 years, offering her dedicated services to the state at the grass root level.

The Multi Speciality Hospital in Kapurthala, stands testimony to the dedication of Dr Surjit and her family, who are also doctors, toservethecommunity with love and compassion for the past28 years.

Her IW journey began in 1999 when she became the Charter member of the newly formed Inner Wheel Club of Kapurthala. She took over as President of her club in 2005. She took part in all club projects and served with dedication on all the executive posts. She was declared the "Best President" and her club also received the "Best Club"award during her President ship.

Her work in Breast Feeding promotion was awarded the"Best Project" in the District. The clubreceived a cash prize on Rain Water Harvesting at the National level along with "Best Medical Project"of the year.

She entered the District in 2006 and served at all the district posts with distinction. As District Chairman in 2011- 2012, she increased membership by 100. She organized Zonal Meets on Membership Development and Image Building, District Past Presidents Meet, and PDC Meet during her tenure. The hallmark of her Chairmanship was the frequent medical camps held and the follow up, and till today she provides free medical help to the underprivileged . "Her mantra is Health for all". She was also the Chairman of the very successful Multi District Rally held atAmritsar.

She was elected National Editor in 2018-2019 and won many accolades from International IW Editor for coverage of all IW projects in India. She compiled, published and released "Empower & Evolve" a book highlighting the projects done by the Chairmen of all the 27 InnerWheelDistrictsin India.

She has attended the National PDC Meet, several TriennialConferences, South Asia Rallies, and IIW Conventions. She was a scribe at the Triennial Conference 2019 at Pune and the Co-Convenor of the North Zone Meet held at Jammu in 2019 as well

A dedicated member of Inner Wheel, she is an active Rotarian too. She was the charter member of Rotary Club Kapurthala Elite and served as Club President. She has also served as Assistant Governor, District Secretary and District Co-EditorofRI District3070. She isa Major Donor

She is a life member of the Indian Medical Association and Executive member of IMA Kapurthala. She was the Indian Medical Association President for 2 years She is also the Vice-chairman of Prevention of Female Feticide Committee, life member of Indian Red Cross Society ; Secretary of the Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society India - Kapurthala branch, Treasurer of Indian Menopause Society - Jalandar Region and life member NARCHI (National Association of Reproductive and Child Health in India).

She has been holding free camps for menopausal women, as well as frequent thyroid and bone density camps in her hospital for the past20 years.Adult education in villages and microfinancing for village women are issues close to her heart and she is activelyinvolved in working for both.

She strongly advocates empowerment of women and deeply concerned about women related issues. Positive health for women is her major focus. She believes that Inner Wheel is the vehicle through which our vision of an Empowered Woman can be transformed into reality.

Dr. Surjit Kaur loves reading, writing short stories, watching musical concerts and theatre plays. The warmth of her friendship and hospitality are a bye word to all at Inner Wheel .