Dr. Arjun Dev Sehgal
5th Dec. 1934-20th May 2006
Dr.Arjun D Sehgal was a renowned and eminent neurosurgeon of our country. He was born on 5th Dec 1934 in Ganganager (Rajasthan). After graduating from MGM medical college in Indore in 1957, he joined residency programme in Neurosurgery in Cleveland Clinic Hospital, USA in 1958. In view of his dedication, analytical mind and zest for research, he was appointed as consultant and Research Association in Cleveland Clinic Hospital in 1963 after completion of American Board certification in Neurosurgery.
In spite of promising career ahead in the United States, he came back to India in 1964. He was consultant incharge of Neurosurgery GB Pant Hospital from 1965 to 1968. He joined and become a director and head of neurosurgery in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in 1968. His devotion, hard work and enthusiasm helped him establish one of the most prestigious departments of Neurosciences in Northern India. As the chairman of the department, he had the vision to create separate subspecialties of Neurospinal, Vascular, Pediatric, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and also Interventional Neuroradiology. He was also the chairman of legal and organ transplant committee in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
He was an achiever in the real sense of the term. He was the past president of Neurological Society of India, Indian Functional and Stereotactic Society, First president of Neurotrauma society of India, Past president Indian Health Care Federation, Past vice president of international college of surgeons Chicago U.S.A. Health care Federation of India, International College of Surgeons (Indian Section) and the convener for the American College of surgeons. His major outstanding contribution and distinction was to setup the first CT scan center in India and the first MRI in Northern India in the private sector. He also established well recognized and fully equipped Sehgal’s Neurological research Institute in Kailash Colony, New Delhi in 1969.
He was credited with his work on Interathecal steroids, role of steroids in neurological disorders, invention of Sehgal Stereotactic Instrument and modification of Gardener’s Neurosurgical chair and Gardener’s head tongs. He had numerous publications in national and international journals.
Besides, his outstanding professional competence, he had an unusual zest for life and exuded vigor and confidence. He attended every conference local or national and actively participating in them. His benevolence was almost legendary. He helped numerous young neurosurgeons establish their careers. He never forgot his small hometown Ganga Nagar, where he repeatedly went back to help people. He also created ADS Charitable Trust there and setup a diagnostic center with CT, X-ray and colour Doppler facilities. He provided a number of scholarships for women’s up liftment.
Dr. A. D. Sehgal died on May 20, 2006 in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi of fulminate adenocarcinoma of lung. He leaves behind his life partner Dr. Varsha Sehgal, brilliant sons Dr. Gautam and Dr. Vivek Sehgal, innumerable friends, admirers and grateful patients. rather sudden departure from the field of active Neurosurgery leaves a void, which will be difficult to fill. His multifaceted personality left an impact on all those who came in contact with him.