All the elite Indian institutions have obviously had some starting stories and struggles. Here we are going to take a look at one such institution which is a dream destination for their medical degree, the birth of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences).
Though many believe that AIIMS is a success story of our late first prime minister: Jawaharlal Nehru, is not true. What is true is that AIIMS started to reach its zenith in his tenure, but, the mother of AIIMS is late Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: The princess of Kapurthala. She was the first health minister of independent India. She was responsible for many other reforms taken in the medical sector of our newly freed country.
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
R.A. Kaur though had her schooling and also her further studies from England. She never excluded herself from the struggles of Indians due to the colonized government. She was among the first woman nationalist that resonated with Bapu’s thoughts and ideology. He always had Kaur on his side so as to inspire women to take part in the nationalist struggles and fight for a free India.
AIIMS Bill in Lok Sabha
1887 born, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, introduced a bill in Lok Sabha. She wanted to open a medical institute for the graduate and post-graduate in the country itself. The purpose of the same was to provide capable youth to receive top-quality education in the field of medicine, without leaving the country which reduces the cost of academics to a great length and the profession of medicine will be open to a greater number of citizens. This was not the only goal of this premier institute, it would also be a hub of medical groundbreaking research and medical facilities that will be provided to the rich & poor at the least cost possible.
The Struggles for the AIIMS Project
The next step was obviously the capital for this project to commence. Though Kaur’s speech and ideologies were appreciated throughout the country. The bill passed just after 3 months of introduction in Lok Sabha, the money was a problem. This did not discourage this ambitious woman who wanted to make AIIMS globally renowned. She was able to procure the required money from the New Zealand government and she also rallied across the country for donations. This enabled the construction of AIIMS.
The AIIMS Motto
AIIMS as an institute was a unique one as it did not allow its doctors to practice privately. All the doctors would be required to give time for research and teaching. The students would be admitted on the pure basis of merit. All India entrance exam areorganized so as to permit the cream brain of the nation to attend the medical training and teaching in AIIMS. Also, everyone wo fall under the same categories. Kaur protected the autonomous nature of AIIMS and also created an international image of the same.
Even after her peaceful death at the age of 75 in the year 1964, her legacy still continues to serve the people of this nation.All images belong to their respective owners.