A visit to Dehradun by Neha, a legal professional associated with the Supreme Court of India and an entrepreneur, brings back memories of a decade-old bond, highlighting the power of compassion, gratitude and service to society.
DEHRADUN, INDIA | SPECIAL HUMAN INTEREST REPORT
In a world where professional success is often measured by titles, influence and material achievements, some individuals leave a different kind of legacy—one built on compassion, humility and the lives they touch.
The recent meeting between Dr. A. Kumar, founder of PERGE Foundation, and Neha in Dehradun offers a compelling example of how genuine human relationships can endure across years, professional journeys and personal challenges.
Travelling from Delhi with her father, Neha visited Dr. Kumar at his Dehradun residence after learning about his recent health difficulties. The meeting was not merely a social visit; it was a deeply personal reunion rooted in gratitude, trust and a friendship that dates back to 2015.
A decade-old story of compassion and support
Neha recalls that 2015 was one of the most challenging periods of her life. She was dealing with an autoimmune disease, and the uncertainty surrounding her health and treatment had become a major concern for her family.
During this difficult period, Dr. Kumar provided medical guidance, support and direction regarding her treatment. According to Neha, his advice and encouragement played an important role in helping her navigate that challenging phase. Nearly eleven years later, she continues to remember his contribution with deep respect and gratitude.
Today, Neha has established herself professionally as a legal professional associated with the Supreme Court of India and as an entrepreneur managing a restaurant chain. Her father is a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Uttarakhand. For her, the visit was an opportunity to reconnect with someone whose support during a vulnerable period remains an important part of her personal journey.
A doctor, philanthropist, entrepreneur and social change advocate
Dr. A. Kumar’s professional identity extends well beyond clinical medicine. A medical professional and public health expert, he is also recognised for his work as a philanthropist, entrepreneur and social activist. Through his initiatives, he has sought to connect healthcare, education, nutrition, environmental responsibility and community development.
His contributions have received recognition from the Government of Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister’s office and various other institutions. He has also received several national and international recognitions for his social initiatives and philanthropic contributions. Among his recent distinctions is the 2026 recognition as ‘Tree Man of India’. These achievements reflect a professional journey that has increasingly focused on creating social impact beyond conventional medical practice.
The extraordinary quality of an ordinary life
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Dr. Kumar’s personality is not his list of achievements, but his simplicity. Despite professional recognition and public engagement, he is known among his associates for his approachable nature, respect for ordinary people and willingness to listen to those facing difficulties.
Whether walking through the streets of Dehradun or the narrow lanes of Varanasi, he can often be seen interacting with people without the formality or display associated with public recognition. For Dr. Kumar, respect is not determined by someone’s social position, financial status or professional designation.
Neha describes this quality as one of his greatest strengths. She believes that his ability to think beyond his immediate circle and remain concerned about the lives of thousands of disadvantaged people reflects a rare sense of social responsibility.
From clinical medicine to a broader public health mission
As founder of PERGE Foundation, Dr. Kumar has worked towards building a community-centred approach to social development. The foundation’s initiatives focus on community health and preventive healthcare awareness; education for disadvantaged children; nutrition and food support for vulnerable communities; menstrual hygiene and dignity for women; women’s empowerment and social inclusion; and mobile education initiatives for children in remote mountainous regions.
One of the foundation’s important initiatives is its Mobile School programme, which aims to take educational opportunities to children living in geographically difficult and underserved areas of Uttarakhand.
During her visit, Neha spent time with children associated with the foundation, interacted with them and participated in activities supporting menstrual hygiene awareness and the distribution of sanitary pads to women in need. She also discussed the possibility of visiting the foundation’s mobile education initiatives in remote Himalayan communities in the future.
When the caregiver becomes the one who needs care
The reunion also carried a deeply personal dimension. Dr. Kumar has himself faced significant health challenges in recent times. He recently received medical care at AIIMS Rishikesh following health difficulties and mental stress. After improvement in his condition and discharge from the hospital, he has been recovering at his residence in Dehradun.
On learning about his health, Neha travelled from Delhi with her father to meet him. The gesture was particularly meaningful because it reflected a simple but powerful principle: compassion should never be a one-way relationship. Those who spend their lives supporting others also deserve care, friendship and emotional support when they face difficult circumstances.
A friendship connecting families and generations
The association between the two families also has an older background. Dr. Kumar’s younger sister, Arpita Singh, serves as a judicial officer in Uttarakhand. Neha and Dr. Kumar share an earlier educational and family association, which has contributed to their longstanding relationship.
The Dehradun meeting brought back memories of their earlier years and opened discussions about future opportunities for social engagement, particularly in education, women’s health and community welfare.
Leadership measured by lives touched, not positions held
The story of Dr. A. Kumar and Neha offers a perspective on leadership that extends beyond professional success. It demonstrates that a meaningful contribution to society does not always begin with a large institution, an influential position or significant financial resources. Sometimes, it begins with listening to someone, offering guidance during a difficult illness, helping a child access education or treating every individual with dignity.
For Dr. Kumar, the broader purpose of PERGE Foundation is to create a society in which healthcare, education, nutrition and equal opportunities are not privileges reserved for a few, but opportunities accessible to everyone.
His journey also raises an important question for modern healthcare leadership: can medicine become more meaningful when its focus expands from treating individual patients to improving the health and well-being of entire communities? The answer, perhaps, lies in the lives touched by people who choose service over recognition.
“The most enduring recognition of a person is not necessarily found in the awards displayed on a wall, but in the memories of those who remember a helping hand when they needed it most.”
Dr. A. Kumar’s journey and Neha’s visit to Dehradun offer a reminder that humanity, gratitude and genuine service remain among the most powerful forms of leadership
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