Hello, I’m Dr. P.K. Gupta, a psychiatrist specializing in psychological medicine. Back in the late 1970s, when bell-bottoms were still in fashion and the world felt a bit simpler, I had the privilege of sharing the halls of S.N. Medical College in Agra with a fellow who would become one of the most dedicated surgeons I’ve known—Dr. Lokesh Kulshrestha. We were in the same batch, grinding through our medical degrees, and while I pursued my MD in Psychological Medicine, Lokesh set his sights on surgery. Let me take you through his story, not as a dry timeline, but as the inspiring tale of a man whose passion for healing turned him into a pillar of Agra’s medical community. I’ll sprinkle in some memories and imagined dialogues from our student days to bring it to life—after all, who better to humanize a biography than an old classmate?

It all started in 1979 when Lokesh joined S.N. Medical College, one of India’s premier institutions nestled in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. Agra was buzzing with history, but for us fresh-faced MBBS students, it was all about anatomy dissections and late-night cramming. Lokesh stood out from day one. He wasn’t the loud type; no, he was the quiet storm—the guy who’d skip the canteen gossip to bury himself in textbooks. I remember our first year, during a particularly grueling physiology lecture. The professor was droning on about the cardiovascular system, and half the class was dozing off. Not Lokesh. He raised his hand and asked, “Sir, but how does this apply to surgical interventions in congenital heart defects?” The prof paused, smiled, and said, “Young man, that’s a question for postgrads. Keep that curiosity alive.” Lokesh just nodded, jotting notes furiously. Later that evening in the hostel, I teased him over chai: “Lokesh, yaar, class mein itna serious kyun? Life enjoy kar na!” He chuckled and replied, “PK, medicine isn’t just a degree—it’s a calling. One day, I’ll be fixing hearts, not just studying them.” That studious fire in his eyes? It never dimmed.

The years flew by, filled with ward rounds, exams, and the occasional escapade to sneak a peek at the Taj under moonlight (don’t tell anyone—we were supposed to be studying). Lokesh completed his MBBS with flying colors, but he wasn’t done. He dove straight into postgraduate studies, earning his Master of Surgery (MS) in 1989. Those ten years from joining to mastering surgery weren’t easy—internships, residencies, and endless hours in the operating theater. But Lokesh thrived on it. He was the definition of studious: always the first in the library, debating case studies with professors, and mentoring juniors like me when I got stuck on psych rotations. “PK, the mind and body are connected,” he’d say during our rare breaks. “Your psych patients might need a surgeon’s touch someday—let’s collaborate!” I’d laugh and counter, “Only if you promise not to psychoanalyze my surgical fears!”

After graduation, Lokesh’s career took root right back at S.N. Medical College. He started as a Lecturer in the Department of Surgery, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of doctors. His dedication paid off, and he rose to become an Associate Professor, a role where he not only taught but also contributed to medical literature. One standout example is his 2014 case report on transient cortical blindness in a 15-year-old boy, published in the Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. It highlighted his keen diagnostic skills and commitment to rare conditions—classic Lokesh, always pushing boundaries. “Research keeps us sharp,” he’d tell me over phone calls in later years. “Remember our old debates? They’re paying off now.”

Today, in 2025, Dr. Kulshrestha continues to practice in Agra, blending his surgical expertise with general medicine and internal care. His clinic at 23 Suresh Nagar has become a go-to for patients seeking compassionate, skilled treatment. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a complex surgical consultation, Lokesh approaches each case with the same meticulous care that defined our student days. He’s been involved in broader medical efforts too, like contributing to global studies on mortality and life expectancy, as seen in collaborations with publications like The Lancet.

Looking back, Lokesh’s life is a testament to perseverance and passion. From those humble beginnings in 1979 to becoming a respected figure in Agra’s medical scene, he’s inspired many—including me. If I could chat with him now, I’d say, “Lokesh, you were right about that calling. You’ve healed more than bodies; you’ve touched lives.” And knowing him, he’d humbly reply, “PK, it’s all in a day’s work. Now, tell me about your latest psych case—let’s collaborate again!”

If you’re in Agra and need a doctor who’s as brilliant as he is kind, look no further than Dr. Lokesh Kulshrestha. His story isn’t just a biography; it’s a reminder that true dedication turns ordinary students into extraordinary healers. 0 1 2 4 5 7 10