Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (UDN): Odisha is preparing to bid a solemn farewell to eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Professor Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, whose mortal remains are scheduled to arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar at 9:15 AM on Tuesday.
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The Odisha government will accord a Guard of Honour to the departed medical luminary upon his arrival. His last rites will subsequently be performed in Puri, his birthplace.
Dr Mahapatra breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Monday evening at the age of 74, following a prolonged battle with brain cancer. He had been shifted to the national capital on September 27 for specialised treatment and underwent surgery on October 5.
His demise has plunged Odisha into grief, with tributes pouring in from across the state and the medical fraternity remembering his extraordinary contributions to healthcare and medical science.
A Neurosurgeon Who Put Odisha On The Global Medical Map
Dr Mahapatra earned widespread national and international recognition for his leadership in the historic separation surgery of conjoined twins Jaga and Balia, from Kandhamal district, at AIIMS, New Delhi, in 2017.
The highly complex operation, involving twins joined at the head, was a major milestone in Indian neurosurgery. His exceptional expertise, clinical leadership and dedication to the challenging procedure brought immense recognition to Odisha.
From Puri To The Pinnacle Of Neurosurgery
Born in Puri in 1952, Dr Mahapatra began his medical journey at MKCG Medical College in 1970, where he pursued his MBBS degree. He subsequently moved to AIIMS, New Delhi, for higher studies and went on to establish himself as one of India’s distinguished neurosurgeons.
He also served as a faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS, contributing to medical education, research and the training of future generations of specialists.
His association with Odisha’s healthcare development was equally significant. As the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, he played an instrumental role in building the institution into a major centre for advanced medical treatment and education in the state.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to medicine and neurosurgery, the Government of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri on him in 2024.
An Enduring Legacy
Dr Mahapatra’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Odisha’s medical history. From his pioneering work in neurosurgery to his contributions to institutional development and medical education, his achievements have left an indelible mark on the healthcare sector.
As his mortal remains return to his home state for the final rites, Odisha prepares to honour a son whose professional excellence and commitment to humanity brought pride to the state and the nation.