KUALA LUMPUR – The medical and education fraternities have lost one of the country’s most prolific sons following the passing of Datuk Dr Joginder Singh this afternoon.
Dr Joginder, who was once a professor of radiology at University Malaya, passed away this afternoon following a short illness.
He was 85.
Born in Taiping, Perak, he was also responsible for establishing Pantai Hospital’s imaging department in 1985.
Regarded for his brilliance in his area of expertise, Dr Joginder was a prominent figure in the Sikh community.
He leaves behind wife Datin Dr Prabhavati and three children – Sushil, who is Petra Group chief investment officer; beauty queen, model and entrepreneur Kavita; and Juggy, a consultant psychiatrist.
He also leaves three grandchildren, as well as son-in-law Roberto Guiati, who is Petra Group senior vice-president and Petra Cucina chief executive.
“He was an incredible father to us and a father figure to many,” Kavita told The Vibes.
“He was kind to everyone and a great role model, for his achievements as well as his humility,” she said, adding that her father was passionate about his vocation and literally worked till the end – until his hospitalisation last week.
Petra Group chairman and CEO Datuk Dr Vinod Sekhar meanwhile said he is devastated as he has known Dr Joginder since he was a child.
“Uncle Jog had that wonderful combination of being warm, non-judgemental, and kind.
“He was the kind of doctor we all want. The love and respect from all who knew him showed what an extraordinary man he was,” he said.
“I will miss our evening chats over a few glasses of wine where we talked about anything and everything.”
Tributes also poured in on social media.
“A great man; my mentor who had so much confidence in me to run a walk-in ultrasound clinic those days in the 90s in Radiology, UMMC. May his soul rest in peace,” said Osman Rose Soodah on Facebook.
Khizrina Hisham added: “I have been working with him since 1986. A very fatherly figure who cared for his staff.”
Preween Savage posted earlier: “A living legend among the Sikh community in Taiping, Perak where he was born and grew up.
“Young Sikhs viewed him as their role model and idol. He completed his HSC at King Edward VII school around 1955 before proceeding to Mumbai for his medical studies. Very approachable and concerned in dealing with people and patients.”
Dr Joginder’s wake will be held from 10am to 1.45pm tomorrow (March 4) at the Shamshan Bhoomi Parbandak Society of Selangor dan Wilayah Persekuatan, Lot 214 dan 215, Jalan Loke Yew.
Mourners are reminded to abide by the standard operating procedures of the movement control order. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
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