Prakash Narain Tandon, Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon

Prakash Narain Tandon

Born 13 August 1928 · Uttar Pradesh

Founded the Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS, New Delhi, in 1963.

Prakash Narain Tandon is an Indian neuroscientist and neurosurgeon.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

In 1956, Tandon obtained his FRCS in London before training further in neurosurgery in Oslo and Montreal, uncommon paths for Indian surgeons at the time.

The Story

1
In 1950, Prakash Narain Tandon completed his MBBS at King George Medical College, Lucknow, marking the start of his medical career in a city known for its colonial-era medical education legacy.
2
🌍 By 1956, Tandon had earned his FRCS from the University of London, after which he pursued specialized neurosurgery training in Oslo, Norway, and Montreal, Canada, exposing him to diverse surgical techniques.
3In 1963, he returned to India to briefly serve as a professor at KGMC before relocating to AIIMS, New Delhi, where he founded the neurosurgery department, a pioneering move for brain surgery in India.
4🎖️ Awarded the Padma Shri in 1973 and later the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Tandon’s official recognition punctuated decades of clinical and academic work shaping neurosurgery in India.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1973
Padma Shri
1991
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1956, Tandon earned the FRCS from the University of London and then trained in neurosurgery in two very different global centers: Oslo, Norway, and Montreal, Canada, reflecting a rare international surgical education for an Indian at the time.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Prakash Narain Tandon receiving the Padma Vibhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
Prakash Narain Tandon receiving the Padma Vibhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
2006

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Uttar Pradesh
Prakash Narain Tandon was born on August 13, 1928, in Uttar Pradesh, India, setting the stage for his future contributions to Indian medical science.
1928
📚
Education
Graduation from KGMC
Tandon graduated with an MBBS from King George Medical College in 1950, beginning his formal medical education in India.
1950
📚
Education
MS degree from KGMC
By 1952, he completed his Master of Surgery (MS) at KGMC, advancing his surgical knowledge.
1952
📚
Education
FRCS from University of London
Tandon obtained the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1956, a milestone in his surgical career.
1956
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Career
Professorship at KGMC
He served as a professor at KGMC from 1963 to 1965 before moving to AIIMS to establish neurosurgery.
1963
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
The Government of India honored Tandon with the Padma Shri in 1973 for his medical contributions.
1973
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
In 1991, Tandon received the Padma Bhushan, recognizing his sustained impact on Indian medical science.
1991
⚡
Career
President of Indian National Science Academy
He was elected president of the Indian National Science Academy for 1991–92, influencing science policy during economic reforms.
1991
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Tandon was awarded the Padma Shri in 1973 and later the Padma Bhushan in 1991, showing recognition by the Indian government spaced nearly two decades apart for continued contributions.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He served as president of the Indian National Science Academy during 1991–92, a period when India was undergoing major economic reforms, potentially influencing science policy at a critical time.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite being based in India, Tandon was elected a member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, reflecting international recognition of his scientific contributions.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary DBT, dedicates NBRC auditorium to Prof P N Tandon.

🌱 What changed because of them

Prakash Narain Tandon established the neurosurgery department at AIIMS New Delhi, laying the groundwork for advanced neurological surgery in India. His leadership roles in the Indian National Science Academy and the National Brain Research Centre helped integrate clinical practice with neuroscience research. His mentorship of surgeons like B.K. Misra ensured the continuation and evolution of neurosurgical expertise in the country.

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