Obituary: Dr. Kishore Panjwani (1962–2025) – A Life of Courage, Compassion, and Commitment

The Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons mourns the untimely passing of Dr. Kishore Panjwani, one of India’s most renowned pediatric surgeons and hypospadiologists, a visionary teacher, and a beloved mentor to generations of young surgeons. His demise marks the end of an era of grit, grace, and groundbreaking surgical excellence. Born on June 3, 1962, Dr. Panjwani completed his MBBS and MS (General Surgery) from S. N. Medical College, Agra, and M. Ch. in Pediatric Surgery from the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, under Padmashri Prof. Dr. Saroj Chooramani Gopal and Prof. A. N. Gangopadhyay. He also trained under the legendary Prof. H. S. Asopa, whose influence profoundly shaped his surgical philosophy and passion for innovation in hypospadias surgery. Carrying forward this legacy, he became a pioneering figure in hypospadias surgery and pediatric minimal access surgery in India. From his early years as a young consultant at Asopa Hospital to his later role as Director of Galaxy Hospital, Agra, Dr. Panjwani combined surgical brilliance with an unwavering dedication to affordability and access. A former President (2015–2016) and Secretary General (2011–2013) of the Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Chairman of PESI-IAPS (2023–2024), Chairperson SPU-IAPS, sections of the IAPS, and Board Member of the International Society of Hypospadias and Intersex Disorders (ISHID), Dr. Panjwani’s influence extended across continents. His leadership was instrumental in shaping scientific platforms such as PESICON, numerous HYPO Workshops, First PESICON and another in 2024, SPUCON in 2012, and IAPSCON 2016 at Agra, events that reflected his organizational excellence and infectious enthusiasm for collaborative learning. His foresight and leadership gave these groups their scientific direction, structure, and identity. Through workshops, live demonstrations, and orations, he helped shape the evolution of hypospadias surgery, pediatric endoscopy, and pediatric urology in India. Internationally, Dr. Panjwani represented India with distinction at numerous global platforms, including ISHID, ASPU, AAPS, WOFAPS, HIS, and APAPU, where he delivered lectures and demonstrated live surgeries, earning global respect for Indian pediatric surgery. In his last days, Dr. Panjwani carried within him a heartfelt dream – to unite all hypospadias surgeons of India under one academic and collaborative forum. Out of this vision was born the SHAPE Group, an initiative he personally conceived and nurtured as a beginning. What started as an online discussion forum under his guidance stands today as a living tribute to his commitment to science, mentorship, and collective growth. But beyond his illustrious professional life, Dr. Panjwani’s personal journey was one of exceptional courage. He endured severe health challenges, a traumatic kidnapping episode, years of dialysis, a bad COVID-19, ultimately a life-saving kidney transplant donated by his devoted wife, Dr. Sharmila Panjwani. Through it all, he remained a symbol of resilience, humor, and faith. His life’s story – a saga of struggle, survival, and service – inspired many to face their own battles with dignity and hope. A true friend to many, a guide, philosopher, and confidant to numerous young pediatric surgeons, he nurtured talent selflessly, often helping others dealing with professional and personal hardships. His presence at any meeting was marked by warmth, humility, and an ability to lighten even the most serious moments with his infectious smile and effortless humor. Dr. Panjwani was surrounded by a close circle of colleagues and friends – Dr. Sanjay Kulshreshtha, Dr. Rasik Shah, Dr. Ketan Parikh, Dr. Ravindra Ramadwar, Dr. S. Ramesh, Dr. Meera Luthra, Dr. HPS Miglani, Dr. Antony Robert Charles, Dr. Rajendra Saoji, Dr. Deepak Goel, Dr. Rajesh Gupta, me, and many others – who shared his dream of advancing pediatric surgery and its subspecialties. With them, he built not just collaborations but lifelong bonds. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Dr. Sharmila Panjwani and a loving father to two sons, Chirag and Prashant, and Sromona, daughter-in-law, who stood by him with immense pride and strength. Dr. Kishore Panjwani’s life embodied the virtues of resilience, mentorship, humility, and service. His journey – from the operating table to the dialysis unit, from national conferences to international podiums – stands as a shining testament to the power of purpose over pain. The pediatric surgical fraternity will forever remember him not just as a passionate pediatric surgeon, but as a man who taught us how to live – with laughter, learning, and limitless courage. Om Shanti. May his soul find eternal peace and his life’s work continue to inspire generations.