Dr. Rashmi Gupta Becomes First Woman Head of BHU's Sushruta Department

Historic Appointment at BHU's Sushruta Department

The Cliff News | Varanasi | August 30, 2026

A new chapter has begun in the history of Banaras Hindu University's (BHU) prestigious Sushruta Department, with a woman being appointed Head of Department for the first time. Dr. Rashmi Gupta has taken on this significant responsibility, setting an excellent example of women's growing role in medical education and leadership.

A Milestone in Medical Academia

This appointment is being viewed as a significant achievement in the medical world. The historic occasion unfolded during the Prof. P. J. Deshpande Memorial Lecture held in the Department of Ayurveda. The chief guest and speaker, Prof. Harishankar Shukla, described Dr. Gupta's appointment as an inspiring milestone not only for the medical field but for all women.

He stated that this appointment is proof of changing social norms and the increasing activism of women in medical education.

Female Leadership in the Tradition of Acharya Sushruta

In his address, Prof. Harishankar Shukla highlighted the historical contribution of Acharya Sushruta, the pioneer of Indian medical tradition, in systematically and scientifically structuring surgery. He noted that the appointment of a woman as Head of Department in an institution carrying forward Sushruta's rich tradition signifies the growing relevance of women in the landscape of medical education.

Prof. Shukla also emphasized that by integrating Ayurveda's ancient knowledge with modern research and technology, new standards can be established in the medical field.

Ayurveda's Holistic Approach and Modern Science Integration

Expressing her views, the new Head of Department, Dr. Rashmi Gupta, identified Ayurveda's strength in its holistic approach to medicine. She explained that Ayurveda is not limited to treating diseases but also sheds light on protecting the health of well individuals, and the importance of proper diet, daily routine, and lifestyle.

Dr. Gupta stressed that by studying and experimenting with Ayurveda's ancient principles using modern scientific methodologies, the current healthcare system can be made even more robust and useful.

Need for Coordination in Medical Education and Research

The Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof. S. N. Shankhwar, at this event, emphasized the need to validate Indian medical knowledge through research and scientific scrutiny. He stated that increased dialogue and coordination between Ayurveda and modern medicine can provide a new direction to medical education and research.

Senior Professor Kulbhushan Singh remarked that the principles laid down by Acharya Sushruta in the field of surgery are still relevant today, offering new insights.

Distinguished Attendees

Several senior faculty members and heads of departments were present on this important occasion, including Prof. C. S. Pandey, Prof. S. J. Gupta, Prof. Shani Singh, Prof. Vijayalakshmi, Prof. P. K. Goswami, Dr. A. K. Dwivedi, Dr. R. K. Jaiswal, Dr. Anil, and Head of Faculty Prof. K. Ranga Murthy.