Vikas Kalra, MD Executive-Secretary

Santa Barbara offers the perfect backdrop to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy one another’s company. Whether it’s reconnecting over coffee, bike rides along the beach, walks by the ocean, or simply catching up with classmates and colleagues we don’t see often enough. This setting allows for the kind of unhurried conversations that make our gatherings so meaningful. These moments of friendship and familiarity remind us why the bond we share through GMC Patiala remains so strong, no matter how many years or miles separate us.

In addition to reconnecting socially, this meeting also gives us an important opportunity to come together in a deeper and more purposeful way. As your Executive Secretary, I would very much like us to use this time as a meeting of minds to discuss the many charitable roles our organization can continue to embrace—and expand. This includes supporting and improving facilities at Government Medical College Patiala, and also contributing to better care for patients by strengthening the impact of our sister organization, the Patiala Health Foundation.

I believe we have the experience, compassion, and collective strength to take an even greater role in charitable work—to look beyond our own lives and consider the positive and lasting impact we can make in the lives of others. Coming together in person allows us to share ideas, align our vision, and work toward meaningful goals that reflect the values instilled in us by our alma mater.

I truly hope many of you will make the effort to attend. It is your presence that brings warmth, energy, and life to these meetings. Let’s come together to celebrate our shared roots, renew our friendships, and strengthen the sense of purpose that unites us year after year.

I very much look forward to seeing you in Santa Barbara.