My Spiritual Journey — Dr. N.K. Mittal

From a Mud Room to a Life of Purpose

The room in Purkhas — and a mother's silent prayer

I was born in this small, dark room in village Purkhas — a place of mud walls, limited means, and endless struggles. We were among the poorest of the poor. There was scarcity of food, comfort, and certainty. But there was one abundance that changed my destiny — my mother's faith and vision.

The photograph of my mother hanging silently on the wall is more than an image — it is a living reminder of sacrifice, strength, and silent prayer. Her eyes reflect years of hardship, yet they also carry an unspoken hope that never faded. In that fragile frame lies the soul of my journey.

My mother was uneducated, yet she possessed a wisdom that no textbook can teach. She had nothing materially, yet she dared to think big. In times when survival itself was uncertain, she carried within her a quiet but unshakeable belief that her son would become a doctor. That dream was audacious — almost impossible — given our circumstances. But faith does not calculate odds; it only believes.

She stood by me through every hardship — hunger, humiliation, rejection, and exhaustion. When the world offered no reassurance, her silent strength became my anchor. She never complained, never surrendered to poverty, and never allowed adversity to shrink her vision. Her courage planted the first seed of spirituality in my life — the belief that purpose is greater than circumstances.

As life progressed, education opened doors, medicine gave me skills, and science sharpened my mind. But spirituality gave me direction. I began to understand that my journey was not merely about personal success, but about service, compassion, and responsibility. Every sick child I treated, every newborn I saved, every poor family I reassured — I saw reflections of my own childhood.

My work in pediatrics, neonatal care, immunization, and tuberculosis elimination is not accidental. It is deeply spiritual. It is my way of repaying a debt — to my mother, to society, and to that small room where my journey began. Each child healed feels like a prayer answered. Each life saved feels like divine grace working through human hands.

My spiritual journey has taught me humility in success, resilience in failure, and gratitude in all situations. I remain deeply aware that whatever I am today is not my achievement alone — it is the result of a mother's faith, countless unseen blessings, and a purpose larger than myself. From that small room in Purkhas to a life dedicated to healing — this journey is not mine alone. It belongs to every mother who dares to dream, every child born into adversity, and every soul that believes that light can emerge even from the darkest corners.

My Guru, Dr. P.S. Dhatt

Dr. P.S. Dhatt — teacher, clinician, guiding soul

Every life has a few turning points where a mentor's words carve out a lifelong path. For me, one such guiding force was Dr. P.S. Dhatt — an extraordinary teacher, a humane clinician, and a soul of rare humility. During my residency at PGIMS, Rohtak (1985–1987), I was fortunate to work under him. His gentle but powerful style of teaching shaped not just my career but also my values as a doctor.

"Mittal Kithe Hai…"

These three simple words, spoken by Sir during rounds, carried an immense weight of trust and encouragement. For a young postgraduate in the overwhelming corridors of PGIMS, this became my driving force — instilling in me a deep sense of belonging and responsibility.

Lessons Beyond Medicine

• That medicine is not just about curing, but about listening, comforting, and lifting spirits.
• That clarity of thought, humility, and discipline are the true hallmarks of a doctor.
• That every patient deserves respect, and every student, encouragement.

Even years later, when faced with difficult decisions, I often ask myself, "What would Sir have done?" His presence continues to guide me — quietly but firmly — reminding me to be compassionate, balanced, and fearless in service to humanity. My time at PGIMS Rohtak was more than training; it was a pilgrimage of character-building. The faith my Guru placed in me remains a sacred trust. This page is dedicated to Dr. P.S. Dhatt, whose words, "Mittal Kithe Hai," echo in my heart as a lifelong blessing.

My Spiritual Sister, Promila

Twenty-seven years ago, destiny brought a remarkable soul into my life. Promila came to me during one of the most difficult moments of her life — her only son, Jai, was gravely ill. She was in deep shock, inconsolable and overwhelmed with fear. In that moment, I placed my hand gently on Jai's head, offered her a few words of medical reassurance, and reminded her to place her trust in the Almighty. By God's grace, Jai recovered.

Deeply moved, Promila asked me with tear-filled eyes, "Permission bhai, may I tie you a rakhi?" That simple thread of love, tied with pure faith, became the start of a bond that has grown stronger with each passing year. Since then, every Raksha Bandhan, Promila first goes to Haridwar to offer her prayers, and then comes to tie me a rakhi, praying for my well-being. In return, I have always stood by her as a brother — offering guidance, emotional support, and unwavering care.

Over time, this unique relationship has become well-known in our community — a living example of how love, respect, and faith can create bonds that go beyond blood. For me, Promila's rakhi is not just a thread — it is a spiritual promise, a reminder of the healing power of compassion, and an affirmation that family can be chosen by the heart.