Anantnag, June 26: A doctor, born in Kulgam’s tiny hamlet Shirpora, wins Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Inspirational Award 2023 – ‘Paediatrician and Neonatologist of the Year’ at an award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi for his “unwavering efforts in the field of neonatology”.
Dr Showkat Hussain Tali, also known as Showkat Shifa, is an Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Neonatologist at GMC Anantnag. He now resides in Anantnag.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Dr Shifa said his path has not been without ups and downs. “I come from a modest background and got my early education at a local government school. I have seen the worst of times, but I never looked back.”
“The struggle to pursue a doctor’s degree was one of my wishes and a gift to the community back home. My mother used to call me doctor when I was a child – Alhamdulillah, the wish and much more have come my way,” he remarked.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Inspirational Award is granted to persons who have made substantial contributions to their area and have inspired others. Dr Shifa’s unrelenting dedication to neonatology and desire to improve the lives of newborns has inspired many. The award ceremony was held in the presence of State and Union ministers, as well as parliament members from both houses.
Dr Showkat expressed his happiness at receiving the distinguished honour and said he is more focused on working more effectively for the benefit of society. Neonatology requires greater devotion, and my passion is to help people, particularly newborns, he said.
Dr Shifa was also the Chief Organising Secretary of North Zone Neocon-2023, the first event of its sort in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 65 years.
