On the occasion of National Doctor’s Day, India unites in gratitude to honour the real-life heroes who carry the weight of humanity’s hopes on their shoulders — our doctors. This year’s theme, “Behind the Mask, Who is Our Hero”, offers a poignant lens into the lives of these tireless professionals, who stand at the intersection of science, service, and sacrifice.

Behind every surgical mask is a story—of long nights, impossible choices, quiet victories, and sometimes, silent grief. Whether in rural clinics or tertiary hospitals, in ICUs or in outreach camps, doctors are the constant, the steady hands and compassionate hearts that hold together families, communities, and often, life itself.

As we celebrate Doctor’s Day, we look beyond the stethoscope and into the soul of the profession. Here’s what some of India’s most respected medical leaders shared in reflection:

Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder-Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, added, “Leading a healthcare organisation means seeing both the frontlines and the framework that supports it. What doctors carry with them isn’t just medical expertise—it’s emotional courage, unshakable ethics, and relentless purpose. On Doctor’s Day, we reflect on this deep responsibility. Behind every white coat is someone quietly holding another person’s world together. Their work is sacred, their impact immeasurable.”