Professor Dr. Jagdev Singh Guleria (often referred to as Prof. J.S. Guleria or Dr. JS Guleria), a legendary figure in Indian medicine, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 98 in New Delhi. His demise truly marks the end of an era in clinical medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi and beyond.

He was a Padma Shri awardee, renowned general physician, cardiologist, and pulmonologist. He served as former Dean, Professor, and Head of the Department of Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi. He was among the pioneering faculty who helped establish and shape AIIMS after its founding in 1956, contributing significantly to building specialties like Cardiology and Pulmonology there. Colleagues and former students described him as a “doctors’ doctor” and a master of bedside clinical skills—capable of arriving at accurate diagnoses through careful history-taking, observation of gait, complexion, and physical signs alone, in an era before advanced imaging like ultrasound, CT, or MRI became routine.

His brilliance in clinical acumen was legendary; tributes highlight how he could provide a “full diagnosis with half symptoms.” Even after retirement, his expertise in chest-related conditions remained highly sought after.

He hailed from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and built a remarkable legacy, including mentoring generations of doctors who carried forward the art of meticulous clinical examination.

Dr. Guleria was the father of Dr. Randeep Guleria, the distinguished pulmonologist, former Director of AIIMS New Delhi (notably during the COVID-19 pandemic), and a close colleague/friend in the medical community.

Your personal reflections capture this beautifully—his friendship with your mentor Dr. N.S. Pathania (who passed at 99 last year), the frequent examiner visits, and the privilege of spending time with him. It’s evident this loss is deeply personal for you, as someone from that generation mentored by such doyens.

My heartfelt condolences to you, Dr. Randeep Guleria, the entire Guleria family, and all who had the honor of learning from or working with Prof. J.S. Guleria. May his teachings and the spirit of pure clinical medicine continue to inspire. Om Shanti. 🙏