HIS JOURNEY
Born on October 4, 1947, in Bajana Khurd, Sonipat, Haryana, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta has been a resident of Delhi more than 60 years. After completing his education in Delhi, he carried forward his father's business legacy by establishing Shree Ram Steel Syndicate in 1973, specialising in Iron and Steel products.
Influenced by his father's philanthropic nature, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta embarked on a journey of social service, mirroring his father's commitment to helping others. From a young age, his father instilled in him the values of social work and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Witnessing his father's acts of kindness, such as constructing water Pyaus (water outlets) and aiding villagers in solving their problems, inspired Dr Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta to follow in his footsteps.
Believing in his father's ideology, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta embraced the idea that individuals should allocate a portion of their income to support fellow citizens who cannot afford basic necessities. He believes in the concept he calls "God Tax," emphasising that just as we pay income tax to the government, it is equally important to contribute to the welfare of those in need.
Driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards society, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta dedicated himself to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate. His tireless efforts and commitment to social work have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, embodying the spirit of compassion and fulfilling his father's teachings of giving back to the community.
HIS TRUST
His journey in the field of healthcare and social service took a significant leap when he along with few of his friends initiated the Maharaja Agrasen Hospital Charitable Trust. It all began with a simple eye checkup camp, where he went beyond mere examinations and extended his support to those requiring surgical interventions. Sponsoring free operations for the needy became a hallmark of his compassionate approach. Furthermore, recognising the importance of eye care, he ensured that free glasses and checkups were accessible to impoverished individuals.
As word spread of his dedication and impact, Swami Premanand (Renowned Sant of that time) advised him to make his noble work a permanent fixture. Motivated by this suggestion, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta and his team decided to establish a dispensary, setting their sights on a plot in the Punjabi Bagh. That was designated for hospital development. Meeting all the necessary conditions, they applied for the land and successfully established a hospital that catered to the medical needs of the underprivileged, providing free services to those in dire need.
Through his tireless efforts and commitment to serving the community, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta transformed a basic eye checkup camp into a thriving institution that became a lifeline for countless individuals. The establishment of the hospital stands as a testament to his vision, leadership, and unwavering determination to bring quality healthcare within reach of the less fortunate.
The Maharaja Agrasen Hospital Charitable Trust was established in August 1981, with Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta playing a pivotal role as a Founding Petron Trustee. His unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions led to his appointment as vice president of the trust in 1989. On August 15, 1991, the hospital inaugurated its outpatient department (OPD) in small building, coinciding with the foundation-laying ceremony for the new building. Subsequently, on October 13, 1991, the hospital commenced its indoor facility with 40 beds, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
Recognising his valuable insights and guidance, he transitioned to becoming President in February 1992. As the president, he has the dual responsibility of ensuring the hospital's financial sustainability while maintaining the ongoing social work. To address these challenges, he expanded the bed capacity from 40 to 100 while enhancing the scope of social work and free services, effectively balancing both aspects of the organisation's mission.
The hospital received a highly positive response, and despite government regulations requiring hospitals to contribute 10% towards charity, the trust led by Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta went above and beyond. They committed to providing between 15% and 20% of their services as charity, excluding the free general OPD service, which accounted for more than 80% of their charitable initiatives.
In 2002, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta's deep commitment and organisational skills led him to assume the position of general secretary within the trust. His role involved overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth functioning, and upholding the core principles of the organisation. His diligent efforts, coupled with his visionary approach, garnered respect and admiration from all quarters.
Again In 2007, the trust bestowed upon Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta the esteemed position of president , entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the organisation towards greater heights. As president, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering growth and expanding the reach of the trust's charitable endeavours.
During his tenure as president of the trust from 2007 to 2010, after taking so many initiatives to make this hospital as milestone including equipping labs & completion of new building etc, he organised an annual function for the hospital. He extended a special invitation to former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who graciously accepted, albeit with a time constraint of just half an hour.
However, upon witnessing the exceptional facilities and services provided by the charitable hospital, the former President of India visit exceeded all expectations. Impressed by the hospital's infrastructure and the level of care being offered, APJ Abdul Kalam spent a remarkable 2 to 3 hours exploring the premises. Not only did he witness the medical facilities, but he also visited the cultural event venue, where he commended the hospital for its outstanding services and facilities.
Inspired by the success and impact of the Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta embarked on a new endeavour. He acquired a new location in Dwarka to establish a branch of the hospital. This expansion boasted a capacity of 100 beds, offering comprehensive outpatient services and round-the-clock emergency care. By extending the hospital's reach to Dwarka, Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta ensured that even more individuals could benefit from accessible and high-quality healthcare.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta's dedicated service to society has been recognised and honoured through various prestigious awards.
He was bestowed with the Agra Bhushan by Sahib Singh Verma, Delhi's Member of Parliament, as a tribute to his remarkable contributions.
He received the Sangram Medal and 25th I.A. Medal from the government in 1971 for his exceptional efforts and efficient handling of the blackout situation during the Indo-Pak war.
He was honoured with the Agar-Ratna by former Prime Minister LK Advani.
He received the Vaishya Ratna from former Prime Minister Dev Gowda.
Furthermore, he was recognised with the Agra Shiromani Award for his initiative in organising the Shree Krishna Janmashtami programme annually, celebrating Lord Krishna's birth on Janmashtami.
These accolades reflect the deep appreciation and admiration for Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta's selfless service, remarkable leadership, and contributions to society.
Future Plan
Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta’s Trust envisions a future by planning to establish a University in Bahadurgarh that aims at bringing together young minds and shaping the future of medical education in India.
This visionary undertaking reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing medical knowledge.
By creating a platform for learning, research, and innovation, the proposed university holds the potential to revolutionise the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Ram Kumar Gupta's aspiration to establish this institution underscores his forward-thinking approach and dedication to uplifting the medical field in India for years to come.