A man of many talents, Anaesthetist and Intensivist Dr. Piyush Garg seamlessly blends science and art in his life. An expert in critical care with experience at SGPGI, he is also a scriptwriter, theatre lover, and trained sitar player.

Dr. Piyush Garg begins his #MeriKahani, a story of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication, with these inspiring lines:

“काश के अपने दायरे समझ पाता, जिंदगी ने बहुत मौके दिए उड़ान भरने के लिए,  हर शुरुआत से पहले अंदाज़ नहीं था,  थोड़ी कोशिश चाहिए होती है, आफताब बनने के लिए”

Serving as an Intensivist and Anaesthetist at GBH General Hospital in Udaipur, Dr. Piyush Garg’s life is not just about professional excellence, but about discovering a calling rooted in service and compassion.

Dr. Piyush Garg shares that the word “Anaesthesia” often creates fear in people. The very idea of being rendered unconscious, of being sent far away from the conscious world, can be unsettling. However, he explains that Anaesthesia is, in fact, a pathway to healing. It places the patient in a controlled state where surgical procedures can be performed without pain, ultimately leading to recovery.

He further elaborates on the critical care extension of his work, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where medical teams strive to stabilize and bring critically ill patients back to safety. Whether it’s the Operation Theatre or the ICU, Dr. Garg sees it as his solemn responsibility to ensure that every process runs smoothly, with utmost safety and precision. His role, he says, is not just medical, but deeply human, to safeguard life in its most vulnerable moments.

Critical Care Specialist Dr. Piyush Garg embarked on his path into the medical field driven by the dream of his father. Although his own aspiration was to serve in the Indian Air Force, circumstances did not allow him to pursue that path. Yet, the guiding words of his father always stayed with him,“Wherever you work, always carry the spirit of service.”

Later he got into the field of Anaesthesia, where he soon realized the profound responsibility that comes with caring for critically ill patients. This awakening drew him closer to Intensive Care, where life often hangs in delicate balance.

With grace and gratitude, Dr. Piyush Garg reflects on the beginning of his professional life at the esteemed Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, a place he regards as a blessing and a strong foundation for his medical career.

GBH Hospital Critical Care Specialist Dr. Piyush Garg, shares that after achieving stability and success in the field of medicine, he found himself gravitating toward his long-lost passions for art and sports. The artist within him gradually awakened, beginning with his love for music. He started learning to play the Sitar, often singing along with its soothing notes, rediscovering a creative part of himself.

His curiosity then turned towards the world of sports, and he found a unique connection with Archery, a discipline that requires focus, patience, and precision traits that resonated deeply with his medical background.

Having witnessed countless stories of struggle, hope, and resilience through his medical career, Dr. Piyush Garg felt a strong urge to give voice to those experiences. This inspiration led him to scriptwriting and poetry, using words as a medium to share profound human stories. He shares that ideas often come to him in dreams, and fearing he might forget them by morning, he now makes it a point to jot them down immediately, no matter the hour.

Reminiscing about his childhood, Dr. Piyush Garg shares that he is a native of Mathura, but was born at Ranchi, Jharkhand. He describes Ranchi as a very nice place. He further shares that his father always wished for his children to get a good education, due to which despite constraints, his father sent them to a good convent school.

Dr. Piyush Garg fondly recalls his childhood, spent in a warm and open environment, surrounded by vast open grounds, something rare to find in today’s urban landscape. He and his friends would play freely and fly kites in those open spaces, especially during the monsoon season.

He shares a childhood memory that has stayed with him over the years. He admits he was never good at flying kites, though he and his friends would enthusiastically make their own kites using simple materials like broom straws. One day, under a sky heavy with dark monsoon clouds, something unexpected happened, he managed to fly a kite effortlessly. It soared high into the sky, and he watched in awe, not realizing how he had done it.

Worried the rain would bring it down, he waited nervously. But to his amazement, the kite continued to fly, undeterred by the downpour. That moment, he shares, was more than just a childhood joy, it became a symbol of life itself. Against all odds, the kite soared, and to him, it represented the resilience and unexpected triumphs that define our life.

Continuing his story, Dr. Piyush Garg shares the academic path that laid the foundation of his medical career. He completed his 10th grade at St. Thomas School in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and pursued his 12th grade at the renowned St. Xavier’s School, also in Ranchi. With a firm resolve to enter the field of medicine, he went on to earn his MBBS degree from Rajendra Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) in Ranchi, an important milestone in his career.

Driven by a desire to specialize further, he pursued post-graduation in Anaesthesia from Darbhanga, Bihar. After completing his formal education, Dr. Garg moved to Delhi, where he spent six months before stepping into a new chapter of his professional career at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, a premier institution he proudly associates with.

He reflects on the early days of his career with a smile, sharing how his pursuit of excellence took him across the country. From one city to another, traveling extensively just to appear for medical entrance and specialization exams, he recalls it as a phase filled with hustle, hope, and hard work.

Anasthetist Dr. Piyush Garg shares that while he gained formal education across various states, what he truly earned was an experience of exploring the soul of the entire country. His life, driven by ambition and curiosity, took him to so many places that when someone asks him, "Where are you from?", his simple yet surprising answer is: "I’m from the country."

That response often leaves people puzzled, but he smiles and explains, "There’s hardly a place that he hasn't explored." From bustling cities to quiet towns, from examination halls to hospital wards, each corner of India contributed to his identity.

He adds with warmth and a hint of humor that the only thing missing in his pan-India experience was Maharashtra, a gap he lovingly filled by getting married there. To him, every state, every culture, and every lesson, whether from books or society, has shaped who he is today.

While reflecting on life experiences, Dr. Piyush Garg opens up about two defining incidents from his life that shaped his perspective and commitment to medicine.

The first one dates back to his time in Darbhanga during his post-graduation in Anaesthesia. He recalls how, being a PG student, he and his peers were often entrusted with handling serious and critical patients. At that stage, they were still learning, the processes weren't entirely clear, and the gravity of situations would sometimes feel overwhelming.

As he grew more senior, expectations from patients and their families increased. And with that, so did the pressure. Despite gaining experience and confidence, there was a lingering feeling, a sense that something more could be done, that perhaps they were still falling short of what was truly needed. It led him to a realization: critical care was the area where he could make a deeper impact, where he could bridge the gap between life and uncertainty.

Around the same time, Dr. Garg got selected at Sanjay Gandhi PostGraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow,  an institute he reverently refers to as a "temple." The news was so unexpected and overwhelming that neither he nor his parents could initially believe it was real.

Intensivist Dr. Piyush Garg reflects on his challenging yet transformative experience at Sanjay Gandhi PostGraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow. He describes the work environment there as extremely rigorous and demanding — so much so that many medical professionals would feel mentally exhausted and burnt out within just six to eight months.

The pressure was intense, and scoldings from seniors were frequent, often coming despite one’s best efforts. But Dr. Garg chose to see these moments not as discouragements, but as stepping stones. He recalls a specific day when, after working tirelessly throughout the night, he was still reprimanded the next morning. It was the kind of moment that could easily break someone’s spirit.

But instead of reacting with frustration, something changed for him that morning. As he stepped out, he noticed a phrase “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya”, "From darkness, lead me to light."

Reading those words ignited a powerful promise within him that he would never give up, not in the face of stress, exhaustion, or adversity. That moment became a personal turning point.

He emphasizes that whatever skills, talent, and medical knowledge he possesses today, he owes all of them largely to the time he spent at SGPGI. Despite the hardships, he feels immensely grateful for that phase of his life.

Talking about his role models, Dr. Piyush Garg shares a refreshing perspective. He believes that identifying with just one role model would limit his own vision and growth, as he prefers to remain multi-faceted and draw inspiration from diverse sources across disciplines. In the scientific realm, he deeply admires Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose dedication, humility, and vision for India’s progress have always inspired him.

In the arts, his role model is Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, best known for directing the historical TV series “Chanakya.” Dr. Garg appreciates the realism and depth of character portrayed in such productions. He also finds wisdom and artistic depth in works like “Gita Rahasya,” which have left a lasting impact on his understanding of life, character, and purpose.

By embracing influences from both science and art, he reflects a personality that values knowledge, creativity, realism, and spirituality, all woven into his life and work.

Dr. Piyush Garg emphasizes the profound impact of his teachers and parents on his path. In particular, during his time in Lucknow, he fondly remembers Burnia Sir and his team of 4–5 dedicated mentors, who played a significant role in shaping his understanding and approach in the field of medicine.

He then reflects on the invaluable influence of his parents, describing them as the true guiding lights of his life. Dr. Garg believes that parents carry a vision not just for themselves, but also for their children, and they nurture this vision with a perfect balance of discipline, honesty, and life lessons. He credits them for instilling in him the values of integrity and resilience, and for helping him understand the reality of struggles early on, which prepared him for the challenges of life.

For Dr. Piyush Garg, learning doesn't come only from books or formal education, it comes from people, and especially from the relationships he's built over time. He shares that his friends have played a vital role in shaping his personality. Some of them came from the world of theatre, and through them, he learned the power of expression, discipline, and commitment. Their influence helped him grow both personally and professionally.

Among all his inspirations, he considers his wife as the most complete role model in his life. During moments when he feels lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain, it’s her unwavering support and wisdom that brings him clarity. She stands by him like a guiding force, helping him re-center and move forward with purpose.

He also mentions a special bond with his children, from whom he now seeks advice and learns new things. As they’ve grown, they’ve become his teachers in many ways, offering fresh perspectives that keep him connected to the evolving world around him.

Moving ahead, Dr. Piyush Garg expresses his deep inclination towards innovation and creative thinking. He believes in challenging conventional notions and looking at the world through a lens of possibilities. Often, people advise, "You cannot reinvent the wheel," suggesting that everything that needs to be created already exists.

To this, Dr. Garg responds with a smile and a thought-provoking example: “If a train can run on magnetic fields, then where is the wheel? We've already replaced it.”

For him, this reflects the essence of progress—not being confined to what has always been done, but exploring what can be done differently. He encourages a mindset that isn’t limited by traditional boundaries, but one that questions, rethinks, and reimagines solutions for the future.

Adding further to his philosophy, Dr. Piyush Garg reflects on the often-quoted phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He believes this saying limits growth and curiosity. Instead, he prefers to reshape it as: “Be a jack of all trades, and master them one by one.”

For him, life is a path of continuous learning, where every new skill contributes to the development of the self. He emphasizes that being called a “good doctor” isn’t a lifetime label—one must evolve constantly.

Dr. Garg explains that engaging in multiple activities like Archery and sports not only improves his physical fitness but also sharpens his mental discipline. He believes in the classic thought: “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.” Through sports like archery, he has enhanced his concentration and calculation abilities, which directly help in other areas of life—whether it’s during critical decision-making in medicine or thought structuring in scriptwriting.

He draws a beautiful parallel between being a sportsperson and a writer—both require focus, reflection, and the ability to think beyond the obvious. Just like archery demands stillness before action, writing demands revisiting ideas to make them more engaging and impactful. He concludes with an important life lesson: “No one becomes an artist, a doctor, or an APJ Abdul Kalam overnight. Learning takes time, and it never truly stops.”

Reflecting on his perspective about struggles and challenges, Dr. Piyush Garg shares a deep-rooted lesson from his childhood—his parents always encouraged him to face difficulties head-on rather than shielding him from them. They firmly believed that true growth happens when one learns to stand on their own feet.

During his school days, instead of sending him to coaching or tuition classes like many others, his parents encouraged self-study, trusting his capability to figure things out independently. This mindset of resilience and discipline laid a strong foundation for his future.

When it was time for the medical entrance exams, Dr. Garg recalls securing a rank between 150–200. However, in his home state of Jharkhand, the number of medical seats for the general class was extremely limited—requiring candidates to be ranked within the top 15–20. This meant that even though he had done well, it wasn’t enough in such a competitive environment.

Reflecting on the idea of achievements, Dr. Piyush Garg offers a deeper, more meaningful perspective. He believes that doing your best in any given task and earning the trust of those around you, whether it’s your faculty, team, colleagues, or staff, is itself a milestone. It’s not always about awards or recognition, but about the integrity and sincerity with which one works.

Using his own life as an example, he shares that if he is performing well and trusted by his team, that’s a success worth celebrating. But he goes further to explain that for someone who is multifaceted, balancing different passions, professions, and responsibilities, having a well-balanced family life is also a true achievement.

He acknowledges that problems are a part of everyone’s life, but managing them while maintaining harmony at home is a rare and precious accomplishment. Dr. Garg also shares his concern about modern-day family dynamics, especially the growing rate of divorces and the lack of emotional integration within families. He describes it as saddening and emphasizes that “Binding the family together and keeping it united is also a milestone.”

Dr. Piyush Garg emphasizes that his vision of an achievement extends beyond personal success. He shares that whether he is involved in theatre, cinema, or writing, his goal is to create something that resonates across all age groups and social communities. For him, if his work has the potential to spark a revolution or bring about meaningful change, that would be a true milestone.

He further reflects on the idea that no matter what field someone is working in, it’s essential to give it your best. By doing so, setting a positive example for others becomes a milestone in itself.

Dr. Piyush Garg shares an inspiring message for new aspirants, using his own story in scriptwriting as an example. He recalls attending a Screenwriter Association conference, where he had the chance to meet some well-established writers. At the conference, Dr. Garg had a conversation with Anjum Rajabali, a senior and renowned screenwriter, in which he expressed his frustrations about the lack of acceptance for his unique stories.

Anjum Rajabali, after hearing Dr. Garg's concerns, responded with a simple yet profound question:"Daal roti to hai?" (Do you at least have food to eat?) When Dr. Garg confirmed that he was sustaining himself, Rajabali encouraged him with the advice "Never leave that."

Dr. Piyush Garg elaborates on the importance of establishing a strong professional foundation before pursuing one's passions. He shares a valuable insight that if an individual is not economically sound, they will struggle to be recognized in their profession. Not only will others be less likely to approach them, but the individual may also face difficulties in finding their own path.

He emphasizes that while it's okay to ask for help or guidance a few times, there is a limit. Asking for too much can sometimes feel burdensome, which is why building a stable profession is crucial. Dr. Garg likens this idea to the need for a solid ground before taking flight. You must first ensure that you have a strong base, and only then can you soar towards your passions and goals.

In essence, Dr. Garg advises that before one can fully pursue their passion and make a meaningful impact, it's important to first secure your family and yourself. This stability allows you to then focus on your commitments and pursue your dreams without unnecessary distractions or constraints. Having a strong foundation ensures that you can fulfill your commitments effectively and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Dr. Piyush Garg shares a deep connection with music, particularly the Sitar, which has been a part of his life since childhood in Ranchi. He recalls how music filled his surroundings, with neighbors singing and playing various instruments. This environment sparked his interest, and he was always drawn to the sound of the Sitar, though he never had the chance to find a teacher or a guru to learn from.

However, after settling in Udaipur and securing a stable job, Dr. Garg decided to fulfill his childhood dream of learning the Sitar. He found an excellent guru, the late Amit Kavitkar, under whose mentorship he trained for 8 to 10 years. During that time, Dr. Garg not only honed his skills but also successfully completed a diploma in Sitar under his guidance. Currently, he continues to develop his musical talents and is learning from Naresh sir, further deepening his connection with music.

Anaesthesist and Intensivist at GBH Hospital, Dr. Piyush Garg further shares a profound connection between his devotion to Maa Saraswati and his love for the Sitar. He recalls his time in Darbhanga, where there was a very special worship of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom. This reverence for Maa Saraswati deeply touched his heart, as he had always been devoted to her. Dr. Garg highlights the symbolic connection between the Sitar and the Veena, which is traditionally associated with Maa Saraswati. This link further inspired him to pursue learning the Sitar, as it felt like a natural extension of his devotion to the goddess of arts and wisdom.

In his closing message, Dr. Piyush Garg emphasizes the immense strength and resilience of the Bhartiya civilization. He believes that despite India being a developing country, it possesses a strong and beautiful foundation that is deeply rooted in its culture, history, and values. He proudly asserts that this civilization is not only enduring but also highly respected and recognized by the world.