New Delhi: In a significant recognition of India’s ancient medical heritage, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in Scotland has unveiled a permanent bronze statue of Sushruta, the renowned ancient Indian physician and surgeon often referred to as the “Father of Surgery” and the “Father of Plastic Surgery.” The 90-kilogram statue has been installed in the college’s historic Playfair Auditorium, marking a symbolic bridge between ancient Indian medical knowledge and modern surgical science.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by dignitaries and members of the medical community, with many describing the occasion as a celebration of India’s enduring contributions to global healthcare and surgical education. According to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the statue highlights the deep historical connections between ancient Indian medical practices and contemporary surgical techniques.
The initiative was spearheaded by UK-based surgeon Professor Chandra Cheruvu, who first proposed the installation of the statue. Reports indicate that the bronze sculpture was gifted by the Cheruvu Family Foundation. The Indian Consul General in Scotland expressed gratitude to Professor Cheruvu for his efforts and described the ceremony as an important acknowledgment of India’s rich medical legacy.
In a statement shared on social media, the Consul General noted that the event celebrated India’s ancient medical heritage, the longstanding historical links between India and Scotland in the fields of medicine and surgery, and the Royal College’s role in advancing surgical education across the world.
The honour has generated widespread appreciation, particularly because the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is one of the oldest surgical institutions globally. Established in 1505 by King James IV of Scotland, the institution has played a prominent role in shaping modern surgical training and practice for more than five centuries.
Many social media users hailed the development as a proud moment for India. Some called for greater recognition of Sushruta within India itself, including the inclusion of his achievements in educational curricula and the installation of similar statues at medical institutions across the country. Others reflected on why international recognition often precedes broader domestic appreciation of historical Indian figures.
Sushruta lived approximately 2,600 years ago and authored the Sushruta Samhita, one of the world’s most influential medical texts. His work emphasized surgical precision, cleanliness, cadaver dissection, and innovative methods of anaesthesia. He is particularly renowned for pioneering reconstructive surgical procedures, including a rhinoplasty technique that used a flap of skin from the forehead to rebuild damaged noses and ears.
Historical accounts also credit Sushruta with establishing rigorous surgical training methods, requiring students to practice on inanimate objects and animal specimens before performing procedures on human patients. His contributions continue to be recognized as foundational to the development of surgery, making the Edinburgh tribute a fitting acknowledgment of his lasting global legacy.
