JSC
Neurologist

Jagjit Singh Chopra

Born 15 June 1935 · Punjab — Died 19 January 2019

Founded the Department of Neurology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, advancing neurological sciences in India.

Jagjit Singh Chopra was an Indian neurologist, medical writer and an Emeritus Professor of the Department of Neurology at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

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A detail that
surprised us

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He was the founder president of the Indian Academy of Neurology (1993-1994), an organization that compiled expertise from 146 neurologists across tropical regions into a single authoritative book.

The Story

1
In 1959, Jagjit Singh Chopra graduated from Government Medical College, Patiala, before moving to the UK to work at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, specializing in neurology.
2
🌟 In 1968, he joined PGIMER Chandigarh as Assistant Professor of Neurology, a pivotal step after a chance elevator meeting with Dr. P.N. Chuttani who offered him a job on the spot.
3As founder-principal of Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, he shaped medical education infrastructure in the city, establishing the department of neurology.
4🧠 In 1993–94, he became the founder president of the Indian Academy of Neurology, uniting 146 neurologists to produce the landmark book "Neurology in Tropics."

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Chopra’s father not only practiced medicine in Fazilka but also served as a jailor, earning a street named after him in the town, linking medical and civic service in the family legacy.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Lahore, Punjab
Jagjit Singh Chopra was born in Lahore, then part of Punjab, British India (now Pakistan).
1935
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Education
Graduation from Medical College Patiala
Completed medical degree at Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab University.
1959
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Education
Diploma in Child Health from London
Received DCH from Royal College of Physicians, London, enhancing pediatric neurology credentials.
1962
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Career
Joined PGIMER Chandigarh
Started as Assistant Professor of Neurology at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.
1968
🏅
Award
Elected Fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences
Recognized by NAMS, India, as a fellow for contributions to medical science.
1980
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Career
Secretary General of World Congress of Neurology
Led the global neurology event hosted in New Delhi, representing Indian neurology internationally.
1989
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Career
Founder President of Indian Academy of Neurology
Established and led the IAN, coordinating 146 neurologists’ contributions to tropical neurology.
1993
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India’s third highest civilian honor for medicine.
2008
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Death
Death in Chandigarh
Passed away after a month-long ICU stay following a stroke.
2019
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1962, Chopra earned the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from the Royal College of Physicians, London, an uncommon qualification for Indian neurologists of his era.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as Secretary General of the 1989 World Congress of Neurology held in New Delhi, a prestigious global event that had never before been led by an Indian neurologist in that capacity.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Chopra was editor-in-chief of the World Federation of Neurology newsletter from 1999, shifting production to India and generating significant cost savings for the organization.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Jagjit Singh Chopra’s establishment of the Indian Academy of Neurology created a structured platform for neurologists across India to collaborate, which strengthened neurological research and education nationwide. His leadership at PGIMER Chandigarh and founding role in Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, expanded advanced neurological training and healthcare services in northern India. His international affiliations helped place Indian neurology on the global map, fostering knowledge exchange and raising clinical standards.

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