Early Life & Motivation
Dr. N.K. Mittal's journey began in the modest village of Purkhas, Haryana. Born into a family with limited means but rich in values, he received his early education in the village up to the 8th standard. He then studied 9th and 10th at S.M. Hindu High School, Sonipat, where he faced significant challenges that tested his emotional resilience. It was during this time that he was shaped by the quiet strength and mentorship of Shri Deep Chand Garg, a respected teacher who nurtured in him independent thinking and a sincere work ethic.
Later, Dr. Mittal joined Hindu College, Sonipat, for his 11th and 12th. There, Shri V.P. Arya, an inspiring English teacher, helped him rediscover inner calm and taught him how to navigate stress with dignity and live a peaceful, purpose-driven life.
From the modest classrooms of Purkhas to standing with Olympian Ramesh Gulia — my village has always been known for sports, not academics. Yet it was my deepest wish to become the first from Purkhas to achieve MBBS and serve humanity. A journey of grit, love, and pride for my roots.
Medical Education & Mentorship
With deep academic commitment, Dr. N.K. Mittal pursued his MBBS and MD in Pediatrics from PGIMS Rohtak. His medical journey was profoundly shaped by Prof. Usha Dhall, who taught him not only the foundations of medicine but also how to live with dignity amidst hardship. Her unwavering discipline, grace, and thoughtful encouragement became the cornerstone of his confidence and professional character.
During his postgraduation, Dr. Mittal was mentored by Prof. P.S. Dhatt, a distinguished pediatrician known for his sharp clinical insight and genuine mentorship. His iconic ward-round call — "Mittal, kithe hai?" — remains etched in memory, symbolizing a deep sense of accountability, precision, and pride in patient care.
Early Encounters That Shaped a Lifelong Mission
As a young doctor, Dr. N.K. Mittal undertook a six-month residency at Rajan Babu TB Hospital in Delhi, where he actively chose to engage with marginalized communities. He voluntarily visited slum areas like Jahangirpuri, Seelampur, and Nand Nagri, witnessing first-hand the silent suffering of children afflicted by tuberculosis.
These experiences became a turning point in his professional journey. Confronting the stark realities of pediatric TB in impoverished settings instilled in him a deep resolve — to make childhood tuberculosis visible, diagnosable, treatable, and ultimately preventable. This foundational exposure laid the moral and clinical groundwork for a mission that has continued for over three decades.
Foundations of Service
After completing his MD, Dr. Mittal began his career with a year of rural service in the remote village of Samargopalpur, Rohtak. He later joined Civil Hospital, Sonipat, working under Dr. S.K. Puri, learning the essentials of hospital management, operational discipline, and healthcare-system efficiency.
On 7 June 1992, Dr. Mittal and his wife Dr. Deepmala — a President's Medalist and recipient of multiple gold medals — founded Mittal Nursing Home, a modest maternal and child-health facility. By 1995, it had grown into a respected, family-run multi-specialty center renowned for its ethical standards and compassionate care.
What truly sets the hospital apart is its enduring human spirit. Many of the doctors, nurses, and ward staff who joined on the very first day continue to serve even today — a rare and powerful reflection of the institution's culture of loyalty, mutual respect, and collective purpose. For Dr. Mittal, the hospital is far more than a healthcare facility — it is a living embodiment of care, commitment, and community trust.
Child Health & TB Elimination
From the outset of his career, Dr. N.K. Mittal has remained steadfast in his commitment to child health and the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases — including polio, neonatal tetanus, and especially pediatric tuberculosis, a condition often neglected and underdiagnosed in children. His major contributions include:
- Free diagnosis and treatment of over 2,000 pediatric TB patients, particularly from underserved and economically weaker sections.
- 31,500+ BCG vaccinations ensuring near-100% coverage in his region.
- Organizing regular school-based TB detection camps and BCG awareness weeks in collaboration with local authorities.
- Challenging and reducing the stigma associated with TB, especially in rural households.
- Establishing the region's first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), first neonatal ventilation unit, and first Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) unit.
- Implementing national programs — Pulse Polio, AFP surveillance, Measles-Rubella vaccination, and Nikshay app integration for TB reporting.
- Promoting medical education through national and international CMEs and the mentoring of junior doctors.
Dr. Mittal's vision is not just to treat children, but to transform pediatric healthcare delivery in India — one patient, one camp, one vaccine at a time.
Vision Forward: A TB-Free Bharat
- Adopting Gram Panchayats to make them entirely pediatric TB-free through screening, treatment, and education.
- Supporting TB patients as a Nikshay Mitra with nutritional and emotional care alongside treatment adherence.
- Visiting schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness for TB Mukt Bharat.
- Organizing TB detection camps in rural and underserved urban areas.
- Building a national network of pediatricians and physicians for collaborative action.
- Partnering with IMA, IAP, and FOGSI to strengthen TB advocacy and care delivery.
- Engaging in research on shorter, more effective regimens for MDR-TB and routine pediatric TB.
Distinguished Leadership & Recognitions
- President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Sonipat and IAP Haryana.
- Executive Board Member, Central IAP (CIAP) India.
- Conferred the fellowships FIAP, FNNF, and FICMCH.
- Honored as an Honorary Professor by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
- Actively engaged with IMA, FOGSI, and other medical societies in health-awareness and medical-education initiatives.
- Officially recognized by the WHO, the Chief Minister of Haryana, and state & national health departments for his work in TB elimination and immunization.
Guiding Influences & Lifelong Inspirations
Throughout his journey, Dr. N.K. Mittal has been shaped, supported, and inspired by a constellation of remarkable individuals — each leaving a lasting imprint on his growth, ethics, and public-health mission.
Honoured to share the dais with Prof. Vinod Paul, Prof. M.K. Bhan, Dr. J.S. Punia (DGHS Haryana) and Dr. Jai Kishor (CMO Sonipat) at the inauguration of the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit — Mittal Nursing Home, 6 August 2016.
Family
Dr. N.K. Mittal's journey has been deeply anchored in the strength, support, and values of his family.
The family also includes Dr. Agrima (daughter, pursuing MS Ophthalmology in Kochi — the emotional compass of the family), Dr. Sanchit Mittal (nephew, MD Medicine at Manipal), Arushi Mittal (niece, Master's in Economics, now at a multinational bank and a key contributor to the hospital's strategic and digital planning), and the newest addition, baby Manhar — the grandson whose laughter has helped Dr. Mittal rediscover the true emotional essence of pediatrics.
A Legacy of Purpose & Compassion
From a humble village classroom to a mission-driven medical career, Dr. N.K. Mittal's life stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and visionary public service. Through decades of unwavering commitment, he has transformed the landscape of pediatric healthcare — particularly in tuberculosis prevention and care — bringing visibility, dignity, and healing to thousands of underserved children and families.
Dr. N.K. Mittal has sparked a new mindset among ordinary citizens — awakening the belief that one person's compassion and consistency can shape public systems and inspire lasting change. His journey has shown that excellence is not born from privilege, but from purpose. Even today, he continues to engage with equal vigor — participating in seminars, academic panels, and serving as a faculty mentor — reaffirming that medicine is a service, not a business.
"With love as my compass and service as my guiding path, the journey of healing and impact continues — rooted in values, driven by purpose."
Recognition & National Endorsements
