Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: For the world, Professor Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra was an eminent neurosurgeon who made history through complex surgeries and dedicated his life to medical service. But for his family, he was much more than a celebrated doctor- he was an affectionate elder brother, a guardian and the pillar of the family.Even after achieving great heights in his professional life, Dr Mahapatra remained deeply connected to his roots. He loved his native village and ancestral home, and whenever he visited, villagers would gather around him. Many would insist that he examine them and prescribe medicines. He would patiently listen to their problems and help them, speaking in the same simple, familiar manner as the people of his village. There was no trace of arrogance despite his stature.After the demise of his parents and elder brother, Dr Mahapatra took responsibility for the family as its guiding figure. As the second child, he looked after his two younger brothers and sister, enquiring about their well-being and standing by them through every difficulty.Recalling his affection, sister-in-law Meera Mahapatra said he would regularly call, even while travelling by car, to ask about the family. During festivals, he would enquire how many people had been served food. He would also ask whether the village deity had been taken around the village and what offerings had been made.He had a special attachment to family traditions. Every Thursday, he would ask whether jau, a traditional preparation, had been made. Whenever he planned to visit home, he would remind the family to prepare it for him before returning to work.His commitment to the family was rooted in the values he inherited from his parents. According to Meera, his father and mother played a significant role in shaping his personality and inspiring his spirit of service. His family had a distinguished background, with his grandfather having served as a Diwan under a king. His father had worked as a police Sub-Inspector before leaving the job and returning to farming. His mother belonged to a highly educated family associated with the royal priestly tradition of Rajasthan.Despite the family’s background, service to society remained an important value. Dr Mahapatra carried that spirit throughout his life.His academic journey was marked by hard work and determination. Having secured good marks, he received scholarships that helped him continue his education. When financial support from home was insufficient, he took loans to pursue his medical studies at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. After beginning his professional career, he ensured that his parents received the best possible care. He arranged treatment and cancer surgery for his father at AIIMS and personally looked after his mother.Meera recalled that September 3 had been scheduled for a programme at the village school in memory of his grandfather. Dr Mahapatra could not attend as he was returning from Chandigarh after completing urgent work. He reached home the following day, appearing unwell. His younger brothers expressed concern and urged him to return to the village if he was not keeping well.As it was Janmashtami, he had a meal before leaving and promised to return for Ganesh Puja. However, when he could not make it, he connected with the family through a video call and asked whether laddus had been offered to Lord Ganesha.The family’s memories of his final days are filled with both concern and admiration for his courage. Meera said he became deeply disturbed after learning that his car driver had met with an accident on Janmashtami. He subsequently suffered paralysis.Having performed hundreds of surgeries during his career, Dr Mahapatra understood his own medical condition after examining his scan reports. He reportedly told his family that surgery on his condition would not be possible. However, following the advice of doctors who had once been his students, he travelled to Delhi for treatment and surgery.For two days after the operation, he remained communicative. He asked for his mobile phone and spectacles and used them. His condition later deteriorated after he developed pneumonia, followed by fluid accumulation in his lungs and respiratory complications. He subsequently suffered multiple organ failure.After receiving a call from his wife about his deteriorating condition, his younger brother rushed to Delhi. The doctors later briefed the family about his critical condition.”Perhaps God does not keep such good people on earth for long. That is why He took him away,” Meera said, struggling to hold back her tears.For his family, Dr Ashok Mahapatra’s legacy is not limited to his achievements in medicine or his contributions to the country. It lives on in the affection he shared, the responsibilities he fulfilled and the simple human values he carried from his village to the highest positions in his profession.
Beyond the scalpel: The family man behind Dr Ashok Mahapatra
