**A Tribute to Dr. Sneh Bhargava: A Pioneer in Indian Radiology and Witness to History**

*Dr. Sneh Bhargava's remarkable journey through Indian medicine and history is highlighted in her new memoir, detailing her challenges and triumphs as a woman in a pioneering role.*

In a remarkable tale of resilience and groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Sneh Bhargava, the first and only woman to lead the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), reflects on a life dedicated to medicine and her defining moments with one of India's most iconic leaders, Indira Gandhi. Published this month, her memoir, *The Woman Who Ran AIIMS*, captures her incredible journey and her notable experiences while serving during a tumultuous time in India.

At 90, Dr. Bhargava ventured into writing her memoir, enriching the narrative with her extraordinary career as one of the country's most accomplished radiologists—a field she helped establish in India since its inception in the 1940s. Dr. Bhargava's inaugural day as the director of AIIMS in 1984 proved to be anything but ordinary. As she was preparing for her leadership role, the news broke that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had been shot by her bodyguards, an event that led to widespread turmoil across the nation.

Dr. Bhargava was alerted to the shocking situation while reviewing medical cases in her office. The harrowing image of Gandhi, gravely injured and lying on a gurney, is one etched in her memory. "At that moment, it wasn't about her being the prime minister; it was about doing everything we could to save her," she recalled in an interview. With a crowd forming outside the hospital, Dr. Bhargava and her team hurriedly moved Gandhi to an upper floor, intentionally keeping her fate hidden until her son, Rajiv Gandhi, could assume leadership.

The aftermath of that day included the somber responsibilities of embalming the prime minister's body. Dr. Bhargava describes the heartbreaking moments of injecting the embalming fluids, a process that revealed the severity of Gandhi's injuries from the assault. Over the years, Dr. Bhargava has gathered stories of her interactions with political figures, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi, reflecting the intricate connections between medicine and politics.

Her assertive leadership skills were put to the test when faced with political maneuvering. Despite pressures from influential figures to shape personnel decisions at AIIMS, Dr. Bhargava remained steadfast in her commitment to patient care, focusing on improving radiology as a central practice. When she started, AIIMS had minimal imaging capabilities, a stark contrast to the advanced department she developed during her tenure.

Dr. Bhargava’s passion for medicine and her willingness to support future generations of women in the field are evident. Her own journey began amid significant barriers; Dr. Bhargava was among the few women pursuing higher education in India, eventually studying radiology in London before returning to help build a better healthcare system in India.

Reflecting on her path, Dr. Bhargava emphasizes the importance of family support in breaking societal barriers. "Parents must encourage their daughters just as they do their sons," she asserts, urging a cultural shift to empower young women to aspire for greatness.

As Dr. Bhargava continues to contribute to India's medical community at 95, her legacy is a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, dedication, and commitment to a noble cause, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.