President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the newly constructed Dr. Sampat Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital on December 30, 2024, in Belagavi, Karnataka.

The state-of-the-art facility, located in a rural region of Karnataka, has been made possible through the generous contributions of Dr. Sampat Shivangi, an Indian American physician, philanthropist, and community leader. According to a press release, Dr. Shivangi donated his family fortune to build this much-needed hospital, addressing critical healthcare gaps in the area.

In addition to the Cancer Hospital, Dr. Shivangi has established several charitable institutions in India through the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation, including primary and middle schools, community halls, and healthcare facilities, significantly improving access to education and healthcare for underserved populations.

“Having lived in India for three decades, in not so privileged and progressive parts of the world, it always touched my heart and Atma why so and why not we all have equal playing field on earth,” said Dr. Shivangi about his to starting this hospital. 

“During my years in hospitals as a student, resident and staff, I was devastated. I had a great desire to do something that helps people, including for the need to establish a cancer hospital in my native town, where people have to travel hundreds of miles away for such a treatment and possibly could not afford the travel, stay, or medical expenses,” added Dr. Shivangi. “Believe me, I went to my hometown in Karnataka to set up a Cancer Hospital. I had even formed a committee and raised funds. Made several trips to India and struggled to do something good, but returned home empty-handed.” 

His efforts and love to give back to his motherland came to fruition when he saw “an opportunity,” in his district to establish a world-class facility. He added, “I did not want to let it go. After several trips to India and collaborating with the local authorities, I am excited that Dr. Sampat Kumar S Shivanagi Cancer Hospital has become a reality.”

Commenting on President of India’s consent to inaugurate the hospital, Dr. Shivangi noted “What an honor, the President of India will be inaugurating my dream facility, a most memorable and modern hospital in Belgaum, my home district and at the medical college, where I was an Assistant Professor.” 

Describing the goals of the Cancer Hospital and the Charitable Foundation, Dr. Shivangi, underscored, “The Charitable Foundation was set up several years ago to establish, promote, and provide the needy and the downtrodden fellow human beings with opportunities to access quality education, promote mental health awareness, ensure healthcare equity, support tribal communities in their holistic development, empower women to break barriers, and leverage sports as a catalyst for positive change.” 

As the first Indian American member of the Board of the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health, Dr. Shivangi has played a pivotal role in mental health advocacy. He has also served on the National Board of Directors for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), with appointments under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Dr. Shivangi’s contributions extend beyond healthcare and philanthropy. He helped establish a Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi, providing a vital cultural and spiritual center for the Hindu community. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, a street in Mississippi has been named in his honor.

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