Nearly three decades ago, Late Shri Ajit Singh Jassar established the Jassar Dental Medical Education Health Foundation with a simple yet ambitious belief — that education and healthcare could transform communities, create opportunities for future generations and contribute meaningfully to regional development. What began in 1997 as a bold vision for healthcare education has since evolved into one of the region’s leading educational ecosystems spanning dental sciences, Ayurveda, nursing, pharmacy, engineering and allied healthcare disciplines.
As the institution enters its next phase of growth while continuing to advance that vision, DJ Group of Institutions today announced that Dr. Smiti Jassar Klaire will assume the role of Chairperson of the Advisory Board. The transition reflects continuity in stewardship and a continued commitment to the values, principles and long-term institution-building philosophy established by the founder.
As part of this transition, Dr. Klaire will step down from her responsibilities as Group CEO and relinquish her membership on the Governing Board of the Society, transitioning from day-to-day executive leadership to a strategic advisory role. As Chairperson of the Advisory Board, she will continue to provide long-term guidance on institutional strategy, governance, academic excellence, leadership development and future growth initiatives. Her responsibilities will include advising on senior leadership appointments, reviewing institutional performance, mentoring the next generation of leadership, and supporting the strategic direction of the Group while ensuring continuity with the founder's vision.
Few individuals embody that journey more closely than Dr. Smiti Jassar Klaire herself. A member of the founding batch of DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research in 1999, she entered the institution as a first-year BDS student at a time when the campus was still in its formative years. Over the next two and a half decades, she grew alongside the institution — first as a student, then as an oral surgeon, educator, professor, academic leader and administrator.
Throughout this period, she played an active role in supporting the institution’s growth while remaining closely aligned with the founder’s vision of creating accessible, high-quality healthcare and education infrastructure for students and communities across the region.
In her capacity as Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Dr. Klaire will continue to provide guidance and support across institutional, academic and strategic initiatives while contributing to the next chapter of development envisioned by the founder.
Reflecting on the transition, Dr. Smiti Jassar Klaire said, “My association with this institution is inseparable from my personal and professional journey. I joined DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research as a first-year BDS student and have had the privilege of witnessing its evolution over the last twenty-five years. Everything that has been built here is rooted in the vision, courage and perseverance of my father, Ajit Singh Jassar. He believed deeply that education and healthcare could improve lives and strengthen communities. It has been an honour to contribute to that vision, and I remain committed to supporting the institution and its future growth in every way possible.”
Commenting on the transition, Mr. Rhitik Jassar, Chairman, DJ Group of Institutions and Jassar Dental Medical Education Health Foundation, said, “The story of Dr. Smiti is, in many ways, also the story of this institution. She entered this campus as a student in the founding batch of our dental college and has devoted the greater part of her life to its development. Over the years, she has served as a student, clinician, teacher, professor, mentor and institutional leader, always guided by the values and vision established by our father, Sardar Ajit Singh Jassar.”
He added, “For me personally, she has always been far more than a colleague or an institutional leader. As my elder sister, mentor and a maternal figure throughout my life, she has been a constant source of strength, wisdom and compassion. Her contribution reflects decades of quiet service, personal sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to preserving the mission our father began nearly three decades ago. The institution that exists today has been shaped by the efforts of many individuals across generations, and Dr. Smiti’s contribution to that journey stands out as defining pillar of strength. Dr. Smiti's contribution stands out as a defining pillar of its growth, resilience and enduring legacy.
Late Shri Ajit Singh Jassar dedicated much of his life to building institutions that would outlast individuals and create long-term value for society. His vision extended beyond academic infrastructure to creating an ecosystem where education, healthcare and community development could reinforce one another and contribute to regional progress.
Today, that vision continues to guide the institution’s future direction. Under the stewardship of the next generation of leadership, DJ Group of Institutions is advancing several long-term initiatives, including the development of DJ Medicity, an integrated healthcare, education and research ecosystem designed to strengthen healthcare accessibility and expand medical education capacity across the region.
