The death of renowned neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra has left Odisha mourning. Among those deeply affected by his passing is Pushpanjali Kanhar, the mother of conjoined twins Jaga and Balia, who remembered the doctor as nothing less than God to her family.
Expressing her grief, Pushpanjali recalled the medical support and care Dr Mahapatra provided to her children. She said his efforts gave both Jaga and Balia a new lease of life when the family was facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
For Pushpanjali, his contribution went far beyond medical treatment. His dedication and support had given her family hope during a challenging time.
Jaga-Balia’s Mother Worried About Jaga’s Future Treatment
While remembering the late doctor, Pushpanjali also expressed concern about her surviving son Jaga’s future medical care.
Jaga and Balia became widely known across the country following their complex separation surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in 2017. Dr Mahapatra played a leading role in the multidisciplinary medical team that successfully separated the twins, who were joined at the head.
Both children survived the complicated procedure, which became a significant achievement in India’s neurosurgical history.
However, Dr Mahapatra’s death has now raised concerns within the family about the continuity of Jaga’s treatment and future medical support. His passing is particularly difficult for them because of the important role he played in the twins’ medical journey.
Padma Shri Doctor Dies While Undergoing Treatment at AIIMS Delhi
Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away on Monday evening, November 2, while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief among medical professionals, academics, political leaders and people across Odisha. He was widely recognised for his contributions to neurosurgery, medical education and healthcare administration.
Dr Mahapatra also served as the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar from 2012 to 2016. Before that, he headed the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow.
He spent several decades associated with AIIMS New Delhi, where he served in important academic and administrative positions, including Head of Neurosurgery and Dean of Research.
In recognition of his contributions to medicine, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2025.
Mortal Remains to Be Brought to Bhubaneswar
Following his death in New Delhi, several prominent personalities and members of the medical fraternity are expected to pay their last respects to Dr Mahapatra at AIIMS Delhi.
After the tributes, his mortal remains are expected to be brought to Bhubaneswar. Reports indicate that his last rites are likely to be performed in Puri, his birthplace.
His passing marks a significant loss for Odisha’s healthcare sector. Beyond his professional achievements, he will be remembered for his role in treating patients, mentoring medical professionals and strengthening healthcare institutions.
For Jaga and Balia’s family, however, the loss carries a deeply personal meaning. Pushpanjali’s words reflect the gratitude of a mother who remembers the doctor for helping her children survive an extraordinary medical challenge.
Dr Ashok Mahapatra’s death leaves behind a lasting legacy in Indian medicine, while his contribution to Jaga and Balia’s treatment will remain an important part of Odisha’s medical history.
