Snehalata Deshmukh: A Doyen Bids Adieu

At times, one feels numb and lost, struggling to find the right words to express profound grief. It is in such moments that we feel defeated and everything around us seems hollow. I am in such a state now, grappling with the right words to convey the depth of my sorrow and the unspoken loss we feel. Our revered “madam” has passed away on July 29, 2024. She was more than a teacher to many of us across Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata, Udaipur, Jaipur, and even the South. Snehalata Shamrao Deshmukh was the epitome of excellence in pediatric surgery, health sector administration, and education. Born on December 30, 1938, she completed her MBBS and MS in General Surgery at KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College, an institution she cherished and nurtured for 25 years. Known affectionately as “SSD” by her students and colleagues, she embodied punctuality, discipline, and commitment. As a full-time staff member, she adhered strictly to her schedule, opening her office promptly at 8:30 a.m., performing surgeries daily, conducting meetings in the afternoon, and teaching postgraduates every Saturday. Her dedication was such that she remembered blood and fluid reports from weeks prior, illustrating her profound commitment and empathy toward her patients. Honored with the FRCS by the Royal College of Surgeons, she was elected President of several prestigious bodies, including ASI, IAPS, and NAMS. Her roles in these institutions were far from ceremonial; she significantly contributed to their development and supported her students and deserving postgraduates through these positions, setting an exemplary standard for others to follow. Appointed Vice Chancellor of Bombay University (now Mumbai Vidyapeeth), she extended her influence beyond medicine to education at large. At her insistence, degree certificates began to include the mother’s name, a testament to her progressive thinking. She was also a prolific author, addressing topics ranging from pediatric surgery and Indian democracy to prenatal care, nutrition, and motherhood. Over her 35-year career in pediatric surgery, Dr. Snehlata S. Deshmukh impacted countless lives across India through her students and personal efforts. Her relentless work for the underprivileged is a source of pride for those who had the privilege of her guidance. She was a godmother to many, and visits to the Deshmukh home during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali were eagerly anticipated events. With SSD’s passing, we lose one more doyenne of Indian pediatric surgery, a founding member of our faculty and association. It is up to us and future generations to keep her legacy alive and shining. Madam Deshmukh may no longer be with us in person, but her spirit and influence remain deeply embedded within us.