Padma Shri Dr Ashok Mahapatra Cremated at Puri’s Swargadwar with State Honours

Puri: The last rites of eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Mahapatra were performed at Puri’s Swargadwar crematorium on Wednesday with full state honours.

His mortal remains arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday following a condolence ceremony at AIIMS, New Delhi. Several dignitaries, including the Health Minister and Police Commissioner, paid their last respects to the veteran doctor at the airport.

The mortal remains were subsequently taken to the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University campus, where political leaders, members of the medical fraternity and well-wishers gathered to pay their final tributes.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari offered floral tributes and described Dr Mahapatra as a remarkable medical professional, saying Odisha had lost a gem. He recalled the doctor’s compassionate approach towards patients and exemplary conduct.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Prof Ashutosh Biswas also paid tribute to the veteran neurosurgeon, recalling his significant contribution to the institution.

He said Dr Mahapatra played a pivotal role in establishing academic programmes at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. When he joined the institute, there were no academic programmes, and he took the initiative to introduce MBBS, MS and MD courses.

Dr Mahapatra’s contributions to healthcare, neurosurgery and medical education have left a lasting legacy. His demise has triggered widespread grief across Odisha’s medical fraternity.