Dr. Sneh Bhargava, a trailblazing figure in Indian medicine, has recently published a memoir covering her impactful career and a pivotal moment in history—Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984. At 90, she became the first woman to lead the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and has continued to inspire many with her contributions to medical science.
On that fateful morning, while Dr. Bhargava was busy reviewing cases, she received a frantic call asking her to rush to the casualty ward. Shockingly, she found Indira Gandhi critically injured, bloodied from an assassination attempt by two of her Sikh bodyguards, an act of revenge linked to Operation Blue Star. “My priority was to save her,” Dr. Bhargava recounted, recalling the chaos that ensued as crowds gathered outside the hospital.
Under immense pressure, Dr. Bhargava and her team had to maintain the facade that they were attempting to preserve Gandhi’s life while, in reality, the prime minister had already succumbed to her injuries. With an overwhelming sense of duty, they transported her to the operating theater, where the grim reality of her death was hidden until her son, Rajiv Gandhi, could be sworn in as the new prime minister.
Dr. Bhargava’s memoir, “The Woman Who Ran AIIMS,” not only details this haunting event but also offers insight into her storied career, including interactions with notable figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and personal anecdotes as a medical professional. She reflects on the unique challenges of leading AIIMS, her efforts in elevating radiology to an essential field of practice, and the importance of encouraging women in medicine—a mission she continues to champion.
Born in Lahore in 1930 and raised in a progressive family, Dr. Bhargava's journey through medical school and the partition of India shaped her commitment to public service and healthcare. She emphasizes the necessity for families to support their daughters in pursuing careers and breaking societal barriers.
As a testimony to her legacy, Dr. Bhargava is not only an inspiration for future generations but also a living chapter in India's medical history, proving that dedication and resilience can pave the way for monumental change.
