The Doctor I know as my Mother

This article contains the speech delivered by Snigdha Athaiya, the oldest daughter of Dr. Noopur Prasad, during Dr. Noopur Prasad's retirement ceremony on April 30th, 2025, at Mahila Chikitsalaya, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Good afternoon to all the dignitaries - doctors, nursing staff, and support staff of my Janmabhoomi (place of birth) and my mother, Dr. Noopur Prasad's, Karmabhoomi (place of duty). Every child looks up to her parents as her heroes - but when you attend a gathering like this - you realize how right you were ! I feel truly honored and humbled to have this opportunity to address such an august gathering and to talk about my role model, my inspiration, Dr. Noopur Prasad.

I feel I am superior to my siblings not because I am older, but because of being the eldest, I had the unique opportunity to have a very close view of my mother's career. I had a tiny little window into my mother's "other world" and that is what I hope to share with you all today.

In an auditorium full of doctors, being intelligent and hardworking is ordinary. But my mother has a distinguishing quality - an ease. She is the most diligent and intelligent woman I have ever met and trust me I have met many remarkable ones - but she does it with such ease. No pretense, no ego, or imposition, and an unparalleled humility. Besides extreme hard work, this carefree but indispensable wisdom has been the constant theme of my mother's career for me.

Next is her love for hard work and the sheer joy she finds in it. I remember all her postings - rural, urban, blood bank, AIDS control Society, Dept. of Reproductive and Child health - and all I remember is my very busy mother working late, taking care of all of us and then waking up early to work some more - with pure joy and positivity. Sure, there were stressful days and difficult children, but she displayed no negativity towards responsibility, work - domestic or professional, and radiated the real "go-getter" attitude.

Listening to all this you may think that my mother is always this serious, quiet workaholic. But if you know her personally, you know that she is the most lively, funny, energetic, and dynamic person. It is her unique trait to not exclude this element of fun and enjoyment and spontaneity from any work she undertakes. I used to accompany her to blood bank, I have met her RSACS colleagues, I have attended her TOTS seminars - the mood everywhere used to be thoroughly professional but happy, fun, and organic at the same time.

Another quality that defines Dr. Noopur Prasad is her pursuit of excellence - a trait all her current and ex-colleagues will agree with ! When I was in class 1, mummy kept erasing my alphabet until I got them absolutely right! I am sure all her work associates have been through similar ordeals ! But then I stood first in my class, and I dedicated it to her. And I have been a witness to people dedicating their career growth to my mother. As a mentor, she has shaped the lives of many through this singular pursuit of excellence.

I have to mention that her life was not without hardships and back-breaking setbacks. But my mother has a will of steel and resilience unmatched. She rose again and again and did better every time.

We know her as a little girl who was quiet and quietly intelligent,

We know her as a dynamic teenager who dreamt of being a surgeon, and became an excellent one,

We know her as a young doctor, who was inspired to serve and leave a mark,

We know her as a kind and honest doctor, who would refuse fee at times,

We know her as a driven administrator, framing and implementing policies passionately,

We know her as a superstar who worked for AIDS awareness and made it cool,

We know her as a lifelong learner, not stopping and being a colposcopist at 60,

We know her as an eloquent and impactful speaker, simply unforgettable,

We know her as a dancer, an artist, a singer, a chef, a designer, a teacher,

We know her as the beautiful, wonderful, loving companion our father was very lucky to have,

We know her as a mentor, guide, moral compass, and of course our mother.

Our safe haven, our honesty mirror, and the beating heart of all our existence -

Dr. Noopur Prasad.

Sharing laughs and goodbyes with her colleagues

Thank you for your service and sacrifices and love. We feel truly blessed to be a part of your illustrious life.

And all the best for your next chapter! Excited to see many, many, many more miracles from you.

And if you all want to follow her on her new journey, please visit www.drnoopurprasad.com, her new digital home!

Thank you.