Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: An outpouring of grief has swept across Odisha and beyond following the demise of renowned neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Mahapatra. Fondly remembered by many as a “Godsend” and a “second God,” the eminent medical professional was paid an emotional tribute at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Tuesday.

Several senior doctors, officials and members of the AIIMS fraternity gathered to pay their last respects to the departed surgeon. Among those who offered floral tributes were AIIMS Registrar Dr. Girija Prasad Rath, senior neurologist Dr. P. Sarat Chandra, SOA ITER Director Prof. Manas Kumar Mallik, Delhi-based Prameya Bureau Chief Nigamananda Pusti and Supreme Court advocate Sangram Patnaik, along with several members of the Odia community.

Doctors at AIIMS fondly recalled Prof. Mahapatra’s invaluable contributions to the institution and his remarkable achievements in the field of neurosurgery. They particularly remembered his exceptional role in the highly complex separation surgery of conjoined twins Jaga and Kalia, which brought him widespread recognition across the country and internationally.

At the time of his retirement from AIIMS, Prof. Mahapatra was serving as the head of its Neurosciences Centre. Known for his exceptional professional skills, dedication and commitment to patient care, he had held several important positions at the premier medical institution.

Later in the evening, his mortal remains were flown from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar in a special aircraft. The body was kept near the cargo gate of Biju Patnaik International Airport, where several dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects.

State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, MLA Om Prakash Mishra, MLA Babu Singh and Police Commissioner Dr. S. Dev Datta Singh were among those who paid tribute.

Recalling Prof. Mahapatra’s contributions, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said that the eminent doctor had provided valuable guidance to the state’s healthcare sector. He added that Mahapatra had consistently worked towards introducing innovative approaches, including blending allopathic and Ayurvedic systems of medicine in response to changing lifestyles and healthcare needs.

The rare and challenging surgery to separate conjoined twins Jaga and Kalia had earned him a special place in the global medical community, the minister noted.

MLA Om Prakash Mishra described his demise as an irreparable loss for the people of Satyabadi. He also highlighted Mahapatra’s invaluable contribution to the establishment of Odia University, adding that his guidance and vision would continue to inspire people in the constituency for generations.

MLA Babu Singh said Odisha would always remember his remarkable contributions. His death, he added, had created a huge void not only in the state's healthcare sector but also in the medical fraternity across India.

Remembering her father, daughter Shubhashree Mahapatra became emotional and said he had always encouraged junior doctors to serve patients selflessly. She recalled that her father took immense pride in Odisha, which he fondly regarded as his motherland.

His passing, she said, was an irreparable loss to the field of neurosurgery in Odisha as well as across the country.

At around 9 pm, Prof. Mahapatra’s mortal remains arrived at the second campus of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University in Bhubaneswar. His wife, Suprabha Mahapatra, daughter Shubhashree and other family members were present.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, SOA Vice-President Saswati Das, Suma Real Media CEO Sunil Das, SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Dean of Student Welfare Prof. Jyoti Ranjan Das, SUM Hospital Superintendent Prof. Dr. Pushparaj Samantsinghar and SUM Hospital Dean Dr. Sanghamitra Mishra were among the dignitaries and institutional officials who paid their last respects.

Also read: Padma Shri awardee and eminent neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra passes away

Faculty members, staff and well-wishers also gathered on the university campus to offer their tributes, as an atmosphere of profound sorrow engulfed the institution.

On Wednesday, his mortal remains will be taken to his ancestral village at Biragobindapur in Puri district. His last rites are scheduled to be performed at Swargadwar in Puri with full state honours.

Also read: Famous Neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra leaves behind a legacy of excellence

The passing of Prof. Ashok Mahapatra marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Odisha’s medical history. His pioneering contributions to neurosurgery, dedication to patient care and lifelong commitment to his motherland will remain an enduring source of inspiration.