In a landmark moment in India’s medical history, Harsha Chawda, the nation’s first scientifically documented test-tube baby, was born on August 6, 1986, in Mumbai. Her birth marked a breakthrough in assisted reproductive technology and opened new doors for thousands of infertile couples across the country.
Harsha was born through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) at KEM Hospital, under the pioneering leadership of Dr. Indira Hinduja, a renowned gynecologist and infertility specialist. The achievement was the result of years of dedicated research and collaboration between ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and KEM Hospital.
Though an earlier IVF baby named Durga (Kanupriya Agarwal) was born in 1978 in Kolkata under Dr. Subhas Mukherjee, Harsha’s birth is recognized as the first officially acknowledged and scientifically documented IVF success in India.
The event placed India on the global map of reproductive medicine and helped destigmatize infertility treatments in the country. Today, IVF has become a common and successful fertility option, but Harsha’s birth remains a historic symbol of hope, innovation, and medical excellence.
Today, as India celebrates decades of progress in reproductive health, Harsha Chawda’s birth stands as a shining milestone in the journey of Indian science.
