Indian Army’s First Sikh Chief General JJ Singh and Wife Anupama Singh March Side by Side into Knee Replacement Surgery

Indian Army’s First Sikh Chief General JJ Singh and Wife Anupama Singh March Side by Side into Knee Replacement Surgery

Published on October 16, 2025 | New Delhi
By Neha Sharma

It was a regular morning at senior orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma’s OPD at Moolchand Hospital in Delhi—until a senior citizen couple walked in seeking relief from persistent knee pain. The diagnosis was clear: both required robotic knee replacement.

What made this consultation truly unique was the couple’s request—they wanted to undergo surgery together, on the same day. Only later did Dr. Sharma realize who they were: General Joginder Jaswant Singh (Retd.), India’s first Sikh Chief of Army Staff, and his wife, renowned artist Anupama Singh.

“I’ve never seen something like this,” said Dr. Sharma. “They came in as humble, unassuming patients. When I suggested knee replacement for both, they simply said they’d like to do it side by side. It was inspiring.”

A Shared Journey of Healing

On the day of their surgery in August, Anupama was wheeled in first, followed by the General. Both underwent robotic-assisted total knee replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that delivers precision, safety, and rapid recovery.

“We thought, why not get it done together?” said General Singh, 80. “We encouraged each other through the exercises and recovery—it made the process easier and even fun.”

Interestingly, the General underwent replacement in his right knee, while Anupama had her left replaced. “So when we walk together, our operated knees move in sync,” he laughed. “It’s poetic in a way.”

Within hours of surgery, both were walking—with assistance—and by evening, they took their first steps together.

“It was remarkable,” Dr. Sharma shared. “They recovered beautifully. Robotic-assisted surgery allowed them to walk the same evening with minimal discomfort.”

Beyond Recovery – Back to Golf, Art, and Life

Just weeks later, the couple resumed their normal lives. Anupama is back to painting and preparing for a golf tournament in Mumbai, while General Singh is completing his next book and planning trips to Chandigarh and Goa.

“Golf has always been our shared passion,” Anupama said. “We even watched recovery videos together, cheering each other on.”

A Symbol of Strength, Equality, and Love

Psychiatrist Dr. Deepak Raheja described the couple’s journey as “a powerful symbol of emotional equality.”

“When couples undergo surgery together, their minds and bodies heal in synchrony,” Dr. Raheja explained. “Shared recovery enhances motivation, reduces anxiety, and deepens emotional connection—especially in elderly couples.”

A Moolchand Milestone in Orthopaedic Care

The dual surgery, led by Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma, represents another milestone for Moolchand Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement—a centre known for excellence in arthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee, and advanced robotic-assisted procedures.

At Moolchand, superb physicians, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care come together to deliver outcomes that restore not just mobility but also independence, dignity, and quality of life.

“General JJ Singh and Mrs. Singh exemplify courage and optimism,” said Dr. Sharma. “Their decision to walk this journey together perfectly symbolizes the spirit of healing that defines Moolchand.”

The Takeaway

From the battlefield to the operating room, General JJ Singh continues to inspire—proving that strength, partnership, and willpower can overcome any challenge.

The couple now looks forward to completing their remaining knee surgeries soon and returning to what they love most—golf, travel, and life without pain.

At Moolchand Hospital, they didn’t just regain mobility. They rediscovered the joy of walking through life—together.