Remembering Indira Gandhi: A Doctor's Insight into a Historical Tragedy

As the first woman director of AIIMS, Dr. Sneh Bhargava recounts her pivotal role on the day of Indira Gandhi's assassination, revealing not only her commitment to medicine but also the challenges she faced in her groundbreaking career.

Dr. Sneh Bhargava, a distinguished figure in Indian medicine and the first and only woman director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, has recently published her memoir, "The Woman Who Ran AIIMS." Now at the age of 95, Dr. Bhargava's legacy spans decades, marked by her unwavering commitment to advancing the field of radiology in India.

On October 31, 1984, Bhargava's first day as director was overshadowed by a national tragedy. While she was reviewing medical cases in her office, news spread that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had been shot by her bodyguards. Bhargava narrates how the chaotic atmosphere of AIIMS on that fateful day unfolded. Despite the gravity of the situation, her immediate focus was on providing medical assistance to Gandhi, whose severe injuries posed a dire challenge.

"The moment I heard my colleague call out to me, I didn't perceive her as the Prime Minister," Bhargava recalled. "My instinct was to save her and ensure her safety from potential dangers, given the growing crowd outside." With panic escalating as the news of Gandhi's assassination began to circulate, Dr. Bhargava and her team had to maintain an appearance of hope while disregarding the reality—the woman they were attempting to save was already deceased upon her arrival.

In her memoir, Dr. Bhargava recalls the painstaking process of embalming Gandhi's body, a task that emphasized the urgency and gravity of the situation. As details of the assassination permeated society, riots erupted, marking one of the most turbulent periods in India’s history. Her experiences at AIIMS extended beyond this tragic day; she reflects on her interactions with several political figures, including her crucial role in advancing radiology as a critical discipline in medicine.

Born in Lahore in 1930, Dr. Bhargava's journey into medicine was pioneering, particularly for women in India. She pursued her education in radiology in London and returned to India with the ambition of addressing the country's pressing healthcare needs. She faced and overcame significant challenges, including political pressures and gender biases, which were commonplace during her career. Dr. Bhargava's advocacy for women's education and empowerment is evident in her hope that future generations of women will find the support they need to achieve their dreams.

Her assertion that “it starts from childhood” resonates deeply as she encourages families to treat their daughters with equal regard and support. Ultimately, Dr. Bhargava's riveting experiences not only illustrate her incredible contributions to Indian healthcare but also serve as a reminder of the resilience and passion required to break barriers within a male-dominated field.