Dr. Veena Agarwal was a distinguished academician and physician who dedicated her life to the field of medical education, particularly in physiology and its intersections with psychological aspects of human health. Holding an MD degree with a focus on psychology-influenced physiological studies, she served as a Professor in the Department of Physiology at Sarojini Naidu Medical College (SNMC), Agra, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious medical institutions. Her career spanned decades, during which she shaped the minds of countless young doctors, blending rigorous scientific teaching with a deep empathy for her students’ personal growth.

Born in the mid-20th century in Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Veena Agarwal pursued her medical education with passion and excellence. She earned her MBBS and later her MD, specializing in areas that bridged physiology and psychology—a forward-thinking approach at a time when interdisciplinary understanding of the human body and mind was emerging. Joining the faculty at SNMC Agra in the 1970s, she quickly rose to become a respected lecturer and eventually a professor. In the 1980s, during a vibrant era for the college, she taught first-year MBBS students the intricacies of human physiology: how nerves fire, how hormones regulate emotions, and how the body responds to stress—not just as biological processes, but with real-world insights into the psychological impacts on health.

As one of her students from that time, Dr. P.K. Gupta (myself), fondly remembers her classes in the old lecture halls of SNMC. The air would be thick with the scent of chalk dust and dissection rooms nearby, but Dr. Veena Ma’am had a way of making even the most complex topics come alive.

I recall one particularly memorable lecture in 1980. We were struggling with the concept of the autonomic nervous system and its role in fight-or-flight responses. The class was restless—exams were looming, and many of us were overwhelmed.

“Arre, Gupta ji,” she said with her warm smile, pointing at me in the front row, “tell me, why does your heart race when you’re late for my class? Is it the fear of my questions, or is your sympathetic nervous system just being dramatic today?”

The class erupted in laughter, easing the tension. “Ma’am, it’s definitely the fear!” I replied jokingly.

She nodded thoughtfully. “Exactly! See, physiology isn’t just diagrams in books—it’s you, it’s me, it’s life. The body and mind are inseparable. Understand that, and you’ll not only pass exams but become better doctors who treat the whole person.”

That dialogue stuck with me throughout my career. Dr. Veena wasn’t just a teacher; she was a mentor who humanized science. She encouraged questions, stayed late to clarify doubts, and often shared stories from her own experiences—how psychological stress could manifest as physiological ailments, drawing from her unique MD expertise. Her classes were interactive, filled with such light-hearted exchanges that made learning enjoyable. She believed in nurturing not just intellect but compassion, reminding us that behind every physiological chart was a human story.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Veena Agarwal contributed to the academic environment at SNMC through research, guiding students, and advocating for better understanding of psychophysiological links in medical training. She inspired a generation of doctors practicing across India and abroad, many of whom credit her for instilling a holistic approach to medicine.

Dr. Veena Agarwal remained connected to Agra throughout her life, retiring with grace but continuing to influence former students informally. She passed away peacefully in Agra on December 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness, and inspiration.

To her students like me, she wasn’t just a professor—she was a guiding light. Rest in peace, Ma’am. Your lessons live on in every patient we treat with empathy and understanding. You will be deeply missed.