LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Gurinder S. Mehar upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by St.
Luke's Cornwall Hospital

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Gurinder
S. Mehar upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Life-
time Achievement Award by St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday, Octo-
ber 20, 2009, at its 2009 Physician Leader Reception; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known by most as "Juggy", Dr. Mehar obtained
this nickname in his native India by his parents; being that everyone in
India has a nickname along with the fact that they were from the north-
ern Indian city of Jagadhri, Juggy suited because it was much easier to
say than Gurinder; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gurinder Mehar initially earned a degree in Pharmacology,
but later decided it was not his calling; inspired by his father's love
of medicine and his own need to help others, Dr. Mehar ultimately earned
his medical degree; his affinity for medicine and for helping people has
enabled him to be of maximum service; and
WHEREAS, When a tornado destroyed part of an elementary school in
Coldenham in 1995, Dr. Mehar rushed to the aid of the children and
staff; later, he was part of a team of first responders who treated
those injured during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, and
in 2005, flew down to the Gulf Coast to assist those in need of medical
help following Hurricane Katrina; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mehar loves emergency medicine as it is what first
brought him to the mid-Hudson Valley and to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospi-
tal; at the time he was working with Dr. Jerry Neri at Flushing Hospital
in Queens, Dr. Neri was offered and assumed leadership of the St. Luke's
Cornwall Hospital ED; subsequently, Dr. Mehar was offered an associate
position in the ED by Dr. Neri in 1988; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1994, at the invitation of Dr. David Mendelson,
Dr. Mehar started his private practice in Cornwall, which later
expanded to include offices in Harriman and now in Newburgh; throughout
the years, he has taken on various leadership roles in both the communi-
ty and at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital; and
WHEREAS, From 2005-2008, Dr. Mehar served as president of the St.
Luke's Cornwall Hospital Medical Staff; he also served for some time as
a house doctor at Mohonk Mountain House and the Mohonk Preserve, and is
active in various organizations throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been, his wife, Barbara, and their
three children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mehar's distinguished record merits the recognition and
respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Gurinder S. Mehar upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by St. Luke's Cornwall
Hospital; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Gurinder Mehar.