Ludhiana, October 10: To commemorate the 116th birth anniversary of the great physician and humanitarian Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis and the 88th anniversary of the Indian Medical Mission to China, Dr. D.N. Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital launched a nationwide initiative of free acupuncture medical camps. On this occasion, floral tributes were paid at the statue of Dr. Kotnis on the hospital premises, and his invaluable contribution to humanity was remembered. Speakers highlighted Dr. Kotnis’s contributions to the medical field, his dedication to humanitarian service, and his historic role in strengthening Indo-China friendship. His selfless service to wounded soldiers during the war in China continues to inspire doctors, social workers and young people. As part of the nationwide campaign marking Dr. Kotnis’s birth anniversary, the first phase of free acupuncture medical camps was organised on October 10 and 11 in Ludhiana, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Bhopal and Srinagar. In the next phase, similar medical camps will be organised at 22 additional locations across the country from October 11 to November 4. The objective of these camps is to provide free medical services to needy people and raise awareness about acupuncture treatment. In Ludhiana, the camp was inaugurated by Punjab’s Shahi Imam, Maulana Usman Ludhianvi. The camp was organised at Faizi Academy Group, Street No. 1, Harvinder Nagar, Dana Mandi, where 92 patients benefited from free medical services on the very first day. Prominent personalities present on the occasion included senior leader and former councillor Parminder Mehta, Councillor Vijay Kalसी, Jaswant Singh Chhapa, Ludhiana President of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, and Dr. Raghbir Singh, among others. Dr. Inderjit Singh stated that patients suffering from back pain, disc prolapse, paralysis, hemiplegia, cervical problems, migraine, joint and knee pain, mental stress, insomnia, asthma, breathing difficulties, chronic cold and conditions related to de-addiction were provided acupuncture treatment during the camp. He added that such camps aim not only to provide free medical facilities to needy people but also to promote awareness about health and well-being. Addressing the gathering, Shahi Imam Maulana Usman Ludhianvi said that humanity is the greatest religion. The medical profession conveys the message of serving humanity beyond the boundaries of religion, caste and other forms of discrimination. He appreciated the humanitarian work being carried out by Dr. Inderjit Singh and his team through Dr. D.N. Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital. Paying tribute to Dr. Kotnis, he said that Dr. Kotnis had dedicated his life to the service of humanity and that his ideals continue to inspire society to serve those in need selflessly. Senior leader and former councillor Parminder Mehta appreciated the hospital’s humanitarian initiatives and said that Dr. Inderjit Singh had dedicated his life to serving humanity. He described the provision of free medical facilities to needy patients as a commendable contribution to society. Councillor Vijay Kalsi expressed his gratitude to Dr. Inderjit Singh and his entire team for organising the free acupuncture medical camp in his area. He said that such camps help needy people access treatment and encourage a spirit of service in society. Those present on the occasion included Hospital Director Dr. Inderjit Singh, Ashwani Verma, Jaswant Singh Chhapa, Ludhiana President of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, senior leader and former councillor Parminder Mehta, Faizi Academy President Mohammad Faiz Alam, General Secretary Mohammad Farid Esral, Councillor Vijay Kalसी, Manisha, Dr. Raghbir Singh, Gagan Bhatia, Tarsem Lal and other hospital staff members. At the conclusion of the programme, the dignitaries paid their respects to Dr. Kotnis and called for carrying forward his ideals by continuing to serve humanity.