States » EastPosted at: Nov 3 2026 12:12AM


Legendary Neurosurgeon Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra dies, leaves behind an enduring legacy of medical excellence

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2 (UNI) India has lost one of its most distinguished medical personalities with the demise of eminent neurosurgeon Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a visionary medical professional whose extraordinary contributions to neurosurgery, medical education and healthcare administration earned him national and international recognition.
Regarded among the world's leading neurosurgeons, Prof. Mahapatra leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of medical excellence, pioneering surgical achievements and institution-building. His life was dedicated to advancing medical science, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and making quality medical treatment accessible to countless people.
A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri in 2024, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour, Prof. Mahapatra made remarkable contributions to the field of neurosurgery through his clinical expertise, academic leadership and commitment to public healthcare.
He headed the Department of Neurosurgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for several years, where he led numerous complex and challenging surgical procedures. His exceptional surgical skills and dedication to medical research established him as one of India's most respected neurosurgeons.
One of the defining moments of his illustrious career came in 2017, when he led a historic 16-hour operation at AIIMS, New Delhi, to separate Odisha's conjoined craniopagus twins, Jaga and Kalia.
The extraordinarily complex surgery attracted national and international attention and was widely regarded as a landmark achievement in India's medical history. The successful separation of the twins demonstrated his remarkable surgical expertise, determination and ability to lead highly specialised medical teams through seemingly impossible challenges.
An illustrious son of Odisha, Prof. Mahapatra hailed from Puri district. He completed his medical graduation from MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, before pursuing advanced training in neurosurgery at AIIMS, New Delhi. His journey from Odisha to some of the country's most prestigious medical institutions reflected his dedication, perseverance and professional excellence.
Beyond his achievements in the operating theatre, Prof. Mahapatra played a transformative role in strengthening India's medical institutions. He served as the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, laying the institutional foundation for one of eastern India's most important centres of advanced healthcare and medical education.
He also served as Director of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, and later as Vice-Chancellor of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University from 2020 to 2022.
His contributions to medical research and academics were equally significant. He authored more than 100 scientific publications, which feature in national and international academic databases. His research and scholarly contributions enriched the medical community and inspired generations of aspiring doctors and researchers.
In recognition of his outstanding service, Prof. Mahapatra received several prestigious honours, including the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award in 2008 and the C.V. Raman Award for Scientific Excellence in 2022, before being conferred the Padma Shri in 2024.
Paying tribute to the departed medical luminary, AIIMS Bhubaneswar expressed profound grief over the loss of its Founder Director, describing him as an eminent neurosurgeon, distinguished academician, visionary leader and compassionate human being.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Asutosh Biswas said Prof. Mahapatra's dedication, foresight, compassion and unwavering commitment to healthcare and medical education had inspired generations of doctors, students and healthcare professionals.
His vision, Dr.Biswas said, had laid a strong foundation for an institution that continues to serve countless people.
Beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments, Prof. Mahapatra will also be remembered for his humility, warmth, kindness and remarkable human spirit.
"A great visionary has left us, but his legacy will live on forever," Dr. Biswas said, paying an emotional tribute to the departed leader.
With his passing, the medical fraternity has lost an exceptional surgeon, Odisha has lost one of its most illustrious sons, and the nation has lost a visionary whose contributions reshaped the landscape of modern neurosurgery and medical education.
Though Prof. Mahapatra is no longer among us, the lives he saved, the institutions he built, the knowledge he shared and the generations he inspired will continue to bear testimony to a remarkable life devoted to humanity,Dr.Biswas said.
UNI DP
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