AMRU’s founding VC retires after six transformative years

Prof (Dr) Surender Kashyap, founding Vice-Chancellor of the Atal Medical and Research University (AMRU), Nerchowk, retired today, concluding nearly six years of visionary leadership that reshaped medical education and healthcare in Himachal Pradesh.

Appointed in November 2019, Dr Kashyap played a pivotal role in operationalising AMRU, the state’s first dedicated Health Sciences University. Under his stewardship, over 65 medical, dental, nursing and paramedical institutions were affiliated, enrolling more than 15,000 students. He introduced the Integrated University Management System (IUMS) for complete digitalisation of academic processes and established Himachal’s first Teacher Training Centre to strengthen faculty development and healthcare education.

A native of Bhalawag village in Shimla district, Dr Kashyap’s journey from a rural background to a nationally recognised academician is one of perseverance and dedication. An alumnus of HP Medical College (MBBS, 1979) and PGIMER Chandigarh (MD, 1983), he also earned a DNB in Respiratory Diseases in 1988.

Dr Kashyap founded Himachal’s first Department of Pulmonary Medicine, along with the state’s first Bronchoscopy and Lung Function Labs at IGMC Shimla. As IGMC Principal (2005–2011), he expanded MBBS and postgraduate seats, launched super-specialty programs, and established the first government nursing college in the state.

Later, as the Founding Director of Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, he operationalised the institution swiftly and oversaw India’s first patient registration under Ayushman Bharat.

With over 100 research publications, several national and international fellowships, and numerous awards, Dr Kashyap is lauded for his academic excellence and social commitment. His pioneering work in tobacco cessation, public health training and community outreach continues to influence the state’s healthcare landscape. As he steps down, Prof Kashyap is remembered as a visionary who redefined the contours of medical education in Himachal Pradesh.