Renowned neurosurgeon and healthcare visionary Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra has been honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his outstanding service in the field of Medicine.
A native of Odisha, Dr. Mahapatra is widely acclaimed for leading India’s first successful surgery to separate craniopagus (conjoined at the head) twins, Jaga and Kalia, in 2017. The complex 16-hour procedure marked a historic milestone in Indian neurosurgery and garnered global recognition.
A former Head of Neurosurgery at AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Mahapatra was instrumental in shaping medical education in the country. He went on to become the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where he played a key role in building the institute into a nationally recognized centre for healthcare and research.
Currently associated with Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University (SOA) in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Mahapatra continues to contribute to medical education, mentoring the next generation of doctors and researchers.
Upon receiving the Padma Shri from the Hon’ble President of India, he remarked:
“This honour is a reflection of the dedication of countless healthcare professionals. It inspires me to continue serving humanity through science, compassion, and education.”
Dr. Mahapatra has also been consistently ranked among the top five neurosurgeons globally and has authored numerous research publications in neurosurgery and medical ethics.
With the Padma Shri, the nation celebrates Dr. Mahapatra’s lifelong commitment to advancing medicine and improving lives—both in India and around the world.
