Dr. Saroj Chooramani Gopal with her PhD supervisor (image: twitter.com/BSBEIITK1)

Dr. Saroj Chooramani Gopal”s story of returning to classroom is nothing but inspiration. By enrolling for PhD at IIT Kanpur at the age of 79 proves that age is just a number. Besides a medical doctor, Saroj Chooramani is also a well known medical educationist. She is the first woman M.ch Paediatric surgeon from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. Besides, she held the title of the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University.

Her research at IIT focused on the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, and it plans to explore how using stem cells derived from either bone marrow or the abdominal lining can help in the regeneration of damaged spinal nerve, Indian Express reports. It has been reported that the research has the ability to assist individuals with spinal injuries or vertebral damage in recovering their movability.

Dr. Saroj Chooramani”s journey exhibits a long illustrious career, and her contributions in the field paediatric surgery are noteworthy. Many of them include low cost innovations which intended to benefit the financially weaker population. The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) have issued patents for six of those innovations and Dr. Saroj Chooramani were also reported have invented new surgical techniques.

She has received many honours and fellowships. In 2002, she has bagged Dr BC Roy Award and in 2013, for contribution to the fields of medicine and medical education, she has received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award given by the government of India. Dr Saroj Chooramani Gopal”s inspiring journey proves that if we set our mind, age is not a barrier for partaking any venture.