The Life and Legacy of Dr. Vijay Prakash
By Dinesh Anand
In the annals of Indian medicine, few names shine as brightly as Padmashri Dr. Vijay Prakash, an eminent gastroenterologist, academic leader, and humanitarian. His life embodies a remarkable journey of intellect, discipline, and compassion — a story of humble beginnings transformed into an enduring legacy of service and excellence.
Born on 19 February 1954 at Banka Government Hospital, Bihar, Padmashri Dr. Vijay Prakash was the third child of Kamla Devi and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ramdutt Singh. Despite frequent transfers, his father wisely decided to keep the family settled in Kahalgaon to ensure uninterrupted education. This foresight shaped a future defined by brilliance. A consistent topper, young Vijay’s passion for learning soon earned him a seat at the prestigious Netarhat School — the cradle of some of Bihar and Jharkhand’s finest minds. Graduating in 1971 as the Best Outgoing Student, he stood out as a scholar destined for greatness.
He continued his studies at St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, where he again topped in the university examination. His defining chapter began at Patna Medical College, where he pursued his MBBS with unmatched dedication. A gold medallist in multiple subjects, he was declared the Best Outgoing Student of 1978. During these years, he also met his life partner Dr. Rashmi — a fellow medical scholar who would later rise to become Head of the Department of Community Medicine at the same college. Their partnership became a union of shared vision, values, and service to humanity.
Fuelled by a thirst for excellence, Dr. Prakash cleared the All-India entrance for postgraduate studies and joined the prestigious PGI Chandigarh. Completing his MD in 1982 as branch topper, he soon earned distinction for his clinical insight and academic rigor. His pursuit of knowledge then took him to the United Kingdom, where he achieved the coveted MRCP degree in an extraordinary span of just four months — an accomplishment that reflected his intellect, focus, and perseverance.
Returning to India, Dr. Prakash chose not the comfort of established cities but the challenge of building institutions in his home state. In 1984, he became the first doctor appointed at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, laying the foundation for what would become one of Bihar’s leading medical centers. Yet, his heart remained tied to his alma mater, Patna Medical College, which he rejoined in 1990 as Assistant Professor. Over the next three decades, he rose to become Head of the Department of Medicine, transforming the department into a center of learning, discipline, and compassion.
As a teacher, Dr. Prakash’s influence was profound. For 32 years, he nurtured generations of physicians — not merely as students but as future custodians of humanity. He insisted that medicine must be grounded in empathy as much as in science. His pupils recall his emphasis on punctuality, humility, and respect for patients. Many of them now lead hospitals and medical colleges across India and abroad, carrying forward his values of service and integrity.
Even amid academic duties, Dr. Prakash remained a devoted clinician. His expertise in gastroenterology made him one of the most trusted physicians in eastern India. Patients traveled from distant regions to consult him, drawn by both his diagnostic skill and his genuine kindness. To him, medicine was a sacred duty — not merely the curing of disease but the healing of the person. His empathy for the suffering and his unwavering dedication earned him respect that transcended professional titles.
National recognition came in 2003, when then-President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam conferred upon him the Padma Shri — one of India’s highest civilian honors. The award celebrated not only his medical brilliance but also his service as a teacher and humanitarian. He went on to serve on the Governing Council of the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and the Executive Council of the Medical Council of India (MCI), influencing policy and standards in medical education across the country.
Dr. Prakash retired from government service in February 2021, but his mission to serve never ceased. He soon established Big Apollo Spectra Hospital in Patna, a state-of-the-art multi-superspeciality institution dedicated to providing advanced yet affordable healthcare. As Director and Senior Consultant, he brought together cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, ensuring that quality treatment was accessible to all. His leadership once again proved that true service lies in building institutions that outlast the individual.
Beyond professional glory, Dr. Prakash’s life reflects values of family, faith, and continuity. His wife, Dr. Rashmi, continues to mentor medical students with the same dedication that has defined their shared journey. Their son, Ravi, assists in his professional ventures, while their daughter Ritu and son-in-law Saket, both associate professors at IGIMS, carry forward the family’s medical tradition. Theirs is a family where medicine is not just a career but a calling — a living legacy of compassion and excellence.
Even today, at 71, Padmashri Dr. Vijay Prakash leads a life of purpose. He actively contributes to medical conferences, publishes scholarly articles, and mentors young doctors. His focus on combining medical excellence with humane care remains unwavering. What distinguishes him is not merely his vast knowledge, but the warmth and humility with which he continues to serve.
His story is far more than a chronicle of achievements; it is a lesson in transforming adversity into opportunity and privilege into responsibility. From the quiet classrooms of Netarhat to the busy corridors of Patna Medical College and the modern wards of Big Apollo Spectra, his journey mirrors India’s evolving medical landscape — one driven by dedication, intellect, and empathy. To his students, he is a mentor; to his patients, a healer; to his colleagues, a leader who leads by example.
As Bihar and India continue to strengthen their healthcare systems, figures like Padmashri Dr. Vijay Prakash illuminate the path forward. His life affirms that medicine, at its best, is a blend of science and compassion — where knowledge heals, and empathy uplifts. His enduring mission is clear: to make quality healthcare a right for every citizen, not a privilege for the few.
At the heart of his legacy lies a simple truth — greatness in medicine is not measured by titles but by the lives touched. The boy from Kahalgaon who rose to national honor never forgot his roots. Through his teaching, healing, and institution-building, he has given back to his people, his state, and his nation.
Padmashri Dr. Vijay Prakash remains an icon of service — a physician whose compassion heals beyond medicine, a teacher whose lessons transcend classrooms, and a humanitarian whose example continues to inspire generations.
“Medicine is a science, but healing is an art. Knowledge equips us to diagnose, yet it is compassion that allows us to truly care. Without empathy, even the best treatment remains incomplete.”
“A good doctor treats patients, but a great doctor inspires generations.”
Leave a comment