Jabalpur: A 77-year-old doctor in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur has become the surprise choice for India’s prestigious civilian honour, Padma Shri.
Dr M C Dawar, who is known for his compassionate treatment of patients charging only Rs 20, entered the list of recipients issued on the eve of 74 th Republic Day.
Born on January 16, 1946 in Punjab, Pakistan, Dr MC Dawar moved to India after partition and majored in MBBS at Jabalpur, NDTV reported.
During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, he served in the Indian Army for around a year.
Afterwards in 1972 he started treating people for ₹ 2, which has risen over the years at a snail place to an unbelievably nominal fee of just ₹ 20 today.
Dr Dawar told news agency ANI that hard work pays off sometimes despite it is delayed, adding that it is because of the blessings of the people he is picked for the award.
"There was definitely a discussion in the house about charging such a low fee, but there was no dispute about it. Our only aim was to serve the people, so that is why the fees were not increased. The basic mantra of success is if you work patiently then you definitely get success and success is also respected," he reportedly said.
Dr Dawar's son Rishi said the government is honouring people working on the ground contradicting the notion that awards are given for political reach.
Suchita, daughter-in-law of Dr Davar, said it is a great pride for the family and the city.