At 17, Dr Sneh Bhargava witnessed the trauma of Partition in 1947, when her family was forced to leave Lahore and migrate to India. The suffering of displaced families inspired her to pursue medicine and dedicate her life to serving people irrespective of their caste, creed or background. Decades later, she made history as the first woman Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, serving from 1984 to 1990.
A pioneering radiologist, she helped AIIMS acquire its first CT scanner in 1978 and strengthened specialised medical education. Her leadership was also tested on October 31, 1984, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was brought to AIIMS following her assassination. During the anti-Sikh violence that followed, Bhargava extended support to Sikh colleagues and helped organise medical assistance for affected families. Her life reflects how personal experiences can inspire a lasting commitment to humanity and public service.
A Childhood Disrupted
Born on June 23, 1930, in Ferozepur Cantonment, Punjab, Dr Bhargava spent much of her childhood in Lahore, which became part of Pakistan following Partition. Growing up in a family that valued education, she had the opportunity to pursue her interests and develop an independent outlook. However, the events of 1947 brought an abrupt change to her life as her family, like countless others, was displaced during the division of British India.
At just 17, she witnessed the suffering of people migrating across the newly created border. The experience left a lasting impression on her and influenced her decision to enter medicine. Recalling how Partition shaped her ambitions, she explained that witnessing the suffering of displaced people made her feel that she needed to contribute to society.
She also developed a strong belief that medical care should be provided without discrimination. This conviction would remain central to her professional journey.
Building Radiology
Dr Bhargava completed her MBBS at Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi in 1953. She subsequently pursued postgraduate training in diagnostic radiology in London, earning professional qualifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Royal College of Radiologists.
After returning to India, she worked at Irwin Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College before joining AIIMS as an Assistant Professor of Radiology in 1961. At a time when radiology was developing as an important medical speciality, she worked towards establishing it as an essential part of diagnosis and patient care.
Her contribution extended beyond clinical practice. She advocated for advanced imaging equipment and helped AIIMS acquire its first CT scanner in 1978. She also supported the introduction of ultrasound technology, recognising its importance in medical examinations, including during pregnancy.
Over her career at AIIMS, she contributed to developing specialised areas such as neuroradiology, cardiovascular radiology, paediatric radiology and interventional radiology. She also played an important role in strengthening postgraduate radiology education and training future specialists.
A Historic Appointment
In 1984, Dr Bhargava became the first woman Director of AIIMS, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. She served in the position until 1990, overseeing an institution that combined patient care, medical education and research.
Her appointment was particularly significant at a time when leadership positions in major medical institutions were largely occupied by men. Her achievement demonstrated how women could break barriers in traditionally male-dominated professional spaces.
However, her first day as Director brought an extraordinary crisis. On October 31, 1984, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was shot by two of her security personnel and brought to AIIMS for emergency treatment.
Dr Bhargava recalled that she had to supervise the hospital’s response as the Prime Minister was taken for treatment. The responsibility of leading the institution was immediately accompanied by the demands of a national tragedy, making the day one of the defining moments of her tenure.
Compassion Amid Violence
Following Indira Gandhi’s assassination, anti-Sikh violence broke out across Delhi. Hospitals faced an influx of injured people from different communities, placing additional pressure on medical staff and facilities.
Dr Bhargava recalled the challenges of treating patients during this period of communal tension. She also reached out to Sikh members of the AIIMS faculty, assuring them that they could seek shelter at her home on the hospital campus if they felt unsafe.
She contacted the Delhi Police chief, who arranged police personnel to help protect the AIIMS campus. She also helped organise medical assistance for Sikh families who had taken refuge in different parts of Delhi, including government schools.
Her actions reflected a commitment to protecting colleagues and providing medical assistance during a period of fear and uncertainty. Rather than allowing religious divisions to influence the hospital’s response, she emphasised the responsibility of healthcare professionals towards everyone in need.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr Bhargava continued contributing to medicine and medical education after completing her tenure as Director in 1990. She remained associated with AIIMS as Professor Emeritus and subsequently worked with other healthcare institutions.
In recognition of her contributions to medicine, she received the Padma Shri in 1991. She also received professional honours for her work in radiology and medical education, including recognition from the Radiological Society of North America.
In 2025, she published her memoir, The Woman Who Ran AIIMS: The Memoirs of a Medical Pioneer, documenting her personal experiences, professional milestones and the challenges of leading one of India’s most prominent medical institutions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dr Sneh Bhargava’s journey demonstrates how resilience, education and compassion can transform personal adversity into meaningful public service. Having witnessed the suffering caused by Partition, she chose medicine as a means of helping people beyond divisions of religion, caste and community. Her response during the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 further reinforces the importance of standing with vulnerable communities when prejudice and fear threaten social harmony.
Her achievements at AIIMS also challenge long-standing gender barriers in leadership and science. Her story reminds us that true progress is measured not only by professional achievements and technological advancements but also by the humanity with which we treat one another.
How can Dr Bhargava’s life inspire today’s generation to challenge discrimination, promote gender equality and build a more compassionate society?
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