By Dinesh Anand
In the vast realm of healthcare and social service, there are a few rare individuals who leave an indelible mark not just through their professional accomplishments but through their unwavering dedication to humanity. Padma Shri Dr. Rabindra Narayan Singh, fondly known as Dr. R. N. Singh, is one such remarkable figure. A distinguished orthopedic surgeon, visionary leader, and compassionate humanitarian, Dr. Singh’s life is a testament to the power of service, faith, and perseverance. Born in Golma village of Saharsa district in Bihar, Dr. Singh’s early years were shaped by a simple rural upbringing and the values instilled by his family. His father, a highly respected District Magistrate, inspired in him a deep sense of duty and commitment to the nation. From a young age, Dr. Singh displayed a natural inclination toward learning and helping others, traits that would later define his journey in both medicine and social work.
Dr. Singh’s path to becoming one of India’s most renowned orthopedic surgeons began at the Patna Medical College and Hospital, where he completed his MBBS in 1970 and MS in Orthopedics in 1976. His thirst for knowledge and passion for advanced medical practices drove him to seek higher education abroad. In England, he not only pursued further studies but also served as a teacher of Anatomy at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical College. He went on to earn the prestigious Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, a recognition granted to only the most accomplished medical professionals. Further strengthening his expertise, Dr. Singh obtained an MCH degree in Orthopedics from Liverpool University, making him one of the few specialists with such a distinguished academic background. While he received numerous offers to work abroad, Dr. Singh chose to return to India, honoring his father’s dream of serving the motherland. This decision marked the beginning of a career dedicated not only to healing patients but also to uplifting society.
Upon his return, Dr. Singh envisioned a healthcare system that combined world-class medical treatment with compassionate care. As the Director of Radha Vallabh Health Care & Foundation and Anoop Institute of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Patna, he established institutions that are now considered pioneers in orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation. There are only a handful of hospitals in India operating on this specialized model, with Dr. Singh’s institute standing alongside notable names such as Sancheti Hospital in Pune, Kulkarni Institute at Miraj, Ganga Hospital in Puducherry, and Bhattacharya Institute of Orthopedics in Kolkata. These facilities not only provide advanced surgical care but also focus on long-term rehabilitation, giving patients a chance to rebuild their lives after severe injuries. Dr. Singh’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare didn’t stop there. He also founded Savera Cancer and Multispecialty Hospital, an institution dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments for cancer and other critical illnesses. Recognizing his contributions, the Outlook Group magazine honored him as an ‘Icon of Bihar’ in 2018, a recognition of his impact on the state’s healthcare landscape.
While Dr. Singh’s medical achievements are extraordinary, his true greatness lies in his unwavering commitment to social causes. Since 1983, he has been actively involved with the Red Cross Society in Patna, offering his expertise and compassion to those in need. For the past three decades, he has treated 20 patients free of cost every Tuesday, a ritual that speaks volumes about his selfless service. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting underprivileged children. Since 1990, he has been aiding the Kishore Dal Shishu Bhavan, an orphanage in Rajendra Nagar, ensuring that vulnerable children have access to care and education. In honor of his late mother, Indu Devi, Dr. Singh established the Indu Devi Chhatra Protsaahan Raashi, a scholarship program for bright but financially challenged girls from his ancestral village, Golma. This initiative reflects his belief in the transformative power of education and his dedication to empowering women.
Tragedy struck in 2003 when Dr. Singh and his wife, Kavita Singh, lost their third daughter, Pushpanjali. Turning their grief into purpose, they founded the Pushpanjali Shiksha Kendra, a school offering free education to children living below the poverty line. Through this initiative, they continue to nurture the dreams of countless children who might otherwise have been denied the opportunity to learn and grow. Dr. Singh also appeals to society to adopt at least one girl child and take responsibility for her education, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved when every child is given a chance to thrive.
Dr. Singh’s lifelong dedication to healing and service has been widely recognized. In 2009, he was awarded a Gold Medal by the then Governor of Bihar, Honorable R. L. Bhatia, for his exceptional contributions to the Red Cross. The following year, in 2010, he received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his remarkable service in both the medical and social sectors. In addition to his medical and social work, Dr. Singh also serves as the President of the Bihar Netraheen Parishad, an organization committed to empowering visually impaired individuals. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing these individuals into the mainstream, fostering inclusivity and dignity.
Beyond medicine and philanthropy, Dr. Singh has also made significant contributions to spiritual and cultural preservation. Deeply rooted in the values of Sanatan Dharma, he believes in the importance of pilgrimage in maintaining a spiritual connection. Recognizing the challenges faced by modern society, where lack of time and social changes have reduced pilgrimage participation, Dr. Singh envisioned a solution. On June 20, 2023, alongside the Governor of Bihar, His Excellency Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Dr. Singh inaugurated India’s first Hindu Tirtha Bhawan in Patna. Supported by the Hindu Tirtha Bhawan Charitable Trust, this center serves as a comprehensive resource for pilgrims, providing information about pilgrimage sites across Bihar and the entire nation. The Hindu Tirtha Bhawan is more than just a facility—it is a symbol of unity, faith, and cultural pride. Dr. Singh hopes this initiative will inspire people to reconnect with their spiritual roots and encourage the construction of similar centers across India. The land for the project was generously donated by Padma Shri Dr. S. N. Arya, with funding provided by devoted individuals and organizations. Through this endeavor, Dr. Singh continues to bridge the gap between modern life and ancient traditions, ensuring that India’s spiritual heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.
The life of Padma Shri Dr. R. N. Singh stands as a shining example of what one individual can achieve when guided by compassion, purpose, and unwavering determination. From his groundbreaking contributions to orthopedic medicine to his tireless efforts in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, Dr. Singh has dedicated every moment to the betterment of society. His journey reminds us that true greatness is not measured by personal achievements alone, but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. As Dr. Singh often says, “Service to humanity is the highest form of worship. Through healing, teaching, and giving, we not only change lives—we create a stronger, more compassionate world.”
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