PVLF 2025

UNBOUND: BIOGRAPHY OF DR VIRENDER SINGH SANGWAN BY RAJROSHAN POOJARI

UNBOUND by Rajroshan Poojari chronicles Dr. Sangwan’s inspiring journey from a village boy to a global pioneer in regenerative eye care.
on Jun 05, 2025

5th June 2025, New Delhi:

UNBOUND: Biography of Dr Virender Singh Sangwan by Rajroshan Poojari was released yesterday at a function held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The book, published by Penguin Enterprise, was unveiled by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Raj Babbar, eminent film personality and former member of Parliament. This was followed by a play 'Ek Lamhaa Zindagi: A Love Story '1938-1979', penned by Nadira Zaheer Babbar, Noor Zaheer & Juhi Babbar Soni, enacted by Juhi Babbar Soni, directed by Makarand Deshpande & Juhi Babbar Soni.

The evening included riveting reflections from all the dignitaries and the author's experience in writing the book.

Releasing the book, Mr Raj Babbar praised Dr. Sangwan effusively. He marvelled at his excellence as a teacher, innovator, and humanitarian, who had used his curiosity to explore avenues for service and humanity.

Talking about the book, Dr. Sangwan shared that it was not just about his life story and struggles, but also about the power of belief and innovation in promoting social upliftment. He also expressed the anguish he felt when he noted that the loss of eyesight affected a person's right to lead a dignified life, and used it as a motivation to work on stem cells for sight restoration.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From a small Indian village to the forefront of global medical innovation, this book tells the inspiring story of Dr Virender S. Sangwan, a pioneer in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, whose work has revolutionized eye care around the world. Driven by a relentless passion for accessible healthcare, Dr Sangwan’s groundbreaking innovations—such as the simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) technique—have transformed the lives of millions. Unbound is a powerful narrative of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of medical innovation. A must-read for anyone passionate about science and social impact, the book offers an insightful and deeply emotional account of a man whose work continues to change the world, one patient at a time.

Published by Penguin India Enterprise, it features a gripping foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. ‘This book on the life and exemplary service of Dr Virender S. Sangwan in the field of eye care not only in India but also across the world puts the focus on the important role of medical practitioners who make invaluable contributions towards the well-being of living beings. I also commend him for his special commitment to serving the disadvantaged sections of our society. This is what I call compassion in action and living a meaningful life. I hope readers will gain inspiration from this book in leading a happy and meaningful life in the service of humankind’, he writes.

On capturing Dr Sangwan’s legacy and writing this book, the author says: ‘Unbound breaks the code of conventional biographies and manages to transcend the story of its muse, Dr Virender Sangwan - India's first stem cells applications pioneer and a global trailblazer in corneal repair and regeneration. Apart from touching upon the evolution of eye care in India and the gruesome state of blindness here, the plot intersects with the lives and times of several iconic leaders and institutions that have shaped the eye care landscape over the last 4 decades, not just in India, but around the world. Eventually, the story merges with that of India's most recent biotechnological endeavours and how Dr Sangwan is helping shape that, with cutting edge researches, such as 3D printing the human cornea and eliminating the need for eye donations entirely.

Beyond all these events, the book is a testimony to the power of resilience and undaunted, radical approaches to innovation in medicine and in life, which is elucidated in a series of anecdotes from Dr Sangwan's extraordinary story.’

Rajroshan Poojari, a next-gen storyteller, masterfully blends intrigue, wisdom, and a dash of wit. Known for his work in psychological mysteries and biographies, his books—including Road to Mekong and A Whisper from Beyond—have captivated readers across genres. As President of The Writers Guild of Hyderabad, the author has contributed to esteemed travel and lifestyle publications. Beyond writing, he’s an avid traveller, nature cyclist, and a mentor, guiding startups and young professionals through life’s complex maze toward clarity and purpose.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘As celebrated as Dr Virender Sangwan is for his pioneering work in regenerative medicine and stem cells, Unbound aptly seals his reputation as a maverick dreamer and, to some extent, the bad boy of science. His story encompasses the bold themes necessary for anyone to rise from a small village and make an indelible mark on global science.’

—Deepak Chopra, M.D. Founder, The Chopra Foundation

‘This book chronicles his relentless pursuit of knowledge, scientific rigor and trailblazing techniques that have redefined ophthalmology. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr Sangwan challenges traditional boundaries, inspiring readers to embrace curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo to revolutionize healthcare.’

—Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman and Founder, Narayana Health

‘Just finished UNBOUND-and wow, Dr Virender Sangwan’s life reads like a movie script! Growing up in a small village in the 70’s to then becoming a global pioneer in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, his journey is beyond inspiring, with moments of adventure, grit and heart.’

—Manushi Chillar, Actress and Miss World