Prof. (Dr.) Ajaz Ahmad Rather, one of the most distinguished surgeons and academicians of Jammu & Kashmir, was born in the village of Singhpora Kalan, Baramulla, into a humble yet educated family. From an early age, he demonstrated a passion for knowledge, discipline, and service to society. He began his early education at Government High School Singhpora Kalan, where his dedication to studies helped him secure first division in matriculation. He later continued his higher studies at Government Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, where his consistent academic brilliance shone through as he completed both Class 11 and Class 12 with distinction. With hard work and determination, he cleared the MBBS entrance examination in 1985 with a high rank, and became one of the very few students from Baramulla to do so. This remarkable achievement also made him the third member of the respected Rather family to enter the medical profession, thereby carrying forward the family’s legacy of education and service.
After completing his MBBS from Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr. Ajaz undertook his house job in Surgery and Orthopedics at GMC Srinagar. Eager to gain deeper clinical training, he joined SKIMS Soura as a Junior Resident, where he spent three years sharpening his skills and knowledge under the mentorship of leading surgeons. In 1995, he began serving at District Hospital Baramulla, where he worked tirelessly for four years. His services there reflected not just his professional excellence but also his humanitarian spirit. During this period, he was awarded an Appreciation Certificate by the Chairman, District Red Cross Society, Baramulla, recognizing him as a “Dedicated Voluntary Worker for the Indian Red Cross Society.” He conducted free first aid and immunization training programs for teachers across Baramulla, thereby extending his contribution to preventive healthcare and public awareness.
In 1999, Dr. Ajaz was selected for the MS in Surgery program at Government Medical College Srinagar, which he completed in 2002 with distinction. He went on to work as a Registrar in Surgery until 2006, and in the same year was selected as a Faculty member at SKIMS Medical College Bemina (erstwhile JVC). His thirst for advanced knowledge took him beyond the state, first to the renowned Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, where he trained in oncological surgery, and later to the United Kingdom, where he completed a Travelling Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery at Birmingham in 2013. Alongside, he earned a series of prestigious fellowships that mark his stature as a surgeon of international repute: Fellowship in Laparoscopic Surgery (FCLS), Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons (FICS), Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery from the Association of Colorectal Surgeons of India (FACRSI, 2010), and Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (2021).
Over more than two decades at SKIMS Medical College, Prof. Ajaz Ahmad Rather rose to the highest positions of responsibility, including Professor of Surgery, Head of the Department of Surgery, and Associate Dean. He was a pioneer of laparoscopic surgery in SKIMS Medical College, introducing minimally invasive surgical techniques at a time when they were still in their infancy in the region. With his expertise, he performed countless advanced surgical and oncological procedures, significantly improving the quality of surgical care available in Jammu & Kashmir. His academic contributions are vast and impressive: more than 110 research papers published in reputed national and international journals, over 65 invited guest lectures delivered at prestigious conferences, five books authored, and editorial board memberships in 11 distinguished journals, including the globally recognized World Journal of Surgery.
As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Ajaz has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. He has trained thousands of MBBS students and supervised the postgraduate research work of over 25 scholars, many of whom today serve as successful surgeons across the country and abroad. His guidance has always been marked by discipline, encouragement, and the ability to ignite in students a spirit of inquiry and compassion in medical practice.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the field of surgery and medical education, Prof. Ajaz has received numerous honours and awards. Among these are the Certificate of Excellence from Harvard Medical School in Biomedical Research and Data Management, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Dean, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia, for distinguished teaching in surgery, and a recognition from the Centre for Global Health Research for his outstanding contributions to the improvement of surgical care in India. He was honoured with the Certificate of Honour for Exemplary Performance and Outstanding Services by the Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of J&K, and was further appreciated as a Covid Warrior by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for his tireless services during the pandemic.
Prof. Ajaz’s contributions extend far beyond his hospital and academic duties. He has always been a strong advocate of professional collaboration and social responsibility. He has been elected as State President of the Jammu & Kashmir Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (JKASI) for the term 2025–2026. Since 2021, he has been serving as President of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), J&K Chapter, a Nobel Prize-winning voluntary organization committed to promoting peace, disarmament, and development. Earlier, he has served as Vice President JKASI (2024–2025), General Secretary IDPD (2014–2021), Vice President (North Zone) of the Society of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of India (SELSI), and Vice President (North Zone) of the Indian Hernia Society (2019–2022).
Known not only for his professional brilliance but also for his humility, empathy, and commitment to service, Prof. (Dr.) Ajaz Ahmad Rather stands as a role model for the medical community of Jammu & Kashmir. From his humble beginnings in Singhpora Kalan to becoming a leading surgeon of international standing, his journey is one of inspiration, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy as a surgeon, teacher, researcher, leader, and humanitarian continues to inspire generations, leaving behind an indelible mark on the fields of surgery, medical education, and community health. He is truly a symbol of what dedication, perseverance, and compassion can achieve, and his life story will remain a source of pride for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
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