Ashok Panagariya

Ashok Panagariya (22 August 1950 – 11 June 2021) was an Indian neurologist, medical researcher and academician, known for his research on nerve cells and neuromyotonia. He was a Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur and a member of the Planning Board of the Government of Rajasthan. He died on 11 June 2021 due to COVID-19 complications.

Early life and education Ashok Panagariya was born on 22 August 1950 in Suwana Bhilwara, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, in a family of freedom fighters. His father Balu Lal Panagariya was a civil servant in the govt of Rajasthan.

Career He headed the department of neurology at the SMS Medical College and became the Principal of the institution. He also served as Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, as the president of Indian Academy of Neurology 2010–2011 and was a member of the State Planning Board on Health. He was also associated with the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and the Press Club of Jaipur, as a member.

Publications Panagariya had more than ninety publications in peer reviewed journals He also wrote on health issues and the science of spiritualism.

Awards and recognition Panagariya received the Merit award from the Government of Rajasthan in 1992. He was awarded the civilian honour of Padma Shri in 2014 by the Government of India.

Legacy In 2022, the Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN) established the Dr. Ashok Panagariya Research Scholar Award, an annual award in memory of Panagariya. This award, presented by the IAN, is granted to neurologists under the age of 40 and includes a ₹1 lakh cash prize.