Dr. Rajeev Sharma, a senior orthopaedic surgeon at Moolchand Hospital, experienced a remarkable moment when a couple, seeking knee replacement surgery, requested to undergo the procedure together. The surprise deepened when he learned the couple was none other than General Joginder Jaswan Singh (Retd), the Indian Army’s first Sikh Chief, and his wife, artist Anupama Singh.
Dr. Sharma, who has performed numerous knee surgeries, shared his astonishment with HT City, stating, “I’ve never seen something like this.” He recalled their initial consultation, noting their humility: “At first, I didn’t even know he was a former Army Chief. They came to the OPD like regular patients – humble and unassuming. I found out only when my assistant, who was in touch with theirs, mentioned it.” The couple’s desire to have the surgery performed side-by-side on the same day was a unique request that sparked curiosity about its motivation, with Dr. Sharma humorously suggesting, “I don’t know, a romantic angle maybe!”
General JJ Singh, a distinguished figure who commanded troops in challenging zones and later served as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, explained that undergoing the operation together simply meant they “were compelled to be together”. The 80-year-old General had his right knee replaced, while his wife, in her mid-70s, had her left knee operated on.
Reflecting on Dr. Sharma’s observation that they were walking with “willpower” rather than their knees, General Singh expressed that the surgeries have significantly improved their quality of life. Both he and Anupama are now back to their daily routines, with the General focusing on his new book and his wife on her art, demonstrating a remarkable recovery and continued zest for life.