In the misty hills of Dehradun, where the Doon Valley cradles dreams as gently as it does the Ganges’ tributaries, Dr. Pratibha Saini began her story. Born and raised in the vibrant city, she walked the hallowed halls of St. Thomas’ College—the same institution that shaped many young minds, including that of her fellow alumnus, Dr. P.K. Gupta. Back in those school days, Pratibha was known for her sharp intellect and compassionate heart. “I always knew I wanted to help people,” she once recalled in an interview, “but it was in biology class at St. Thomas that I fell in love with the miracle of life itself.”

After completing her MBBS, Pratibha pursued her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), specializing in the intricate world of women’s health and fertility. Her passion led her to become a pioneer in infertility treatment in Uttarakhand. With over 27 years of experience, she founded the Saini IVF & Fertility Research Centre in Dehradun, a beacon of hope for countless families struggling to conceive. “Every baby we help bring into the world is a victory,” she’d say to her team during late-night consultations, her voice steady amid the hum of medical equipment. Patients often describe her as a blend of science and empathy—someone who listens as much as she diagnoses.

Life took an exciting turn when Pratibha met Dr. Antriksha Saini, a fellow medical professional with an MS in Ophthalmology. Their meeting was straight out of a feel-good novel: at a medical conference in Delhi, where sparks flew over discussions on healthcare innovation. “You see the world through eyes, and I through new beginnings,” Pratibha joked during their first conversation. Antriksha laughed and replied, “Then let’s build something together that changes lives.” They married, blending their expertise to establish a nursing home in Dehradun that evolved into the renowned Saini IVF Centre. Together, they turned it into a family affair, with their sons Anmol and Avishkar joining the fold—Avishkar even following in their footsteps as a doctor.

But Antriksha’s ambitions extended beyond the clinic. In 2019, he ventured into the turbulent waters of politics, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Haridwar on a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ticket. With a declared net worth of over Rs. 86 crore, he campaigned on promises of better healthcare and education for the underserved. “Politics is just another way to heal society,” he told Pratibha one evening as they sipped chai on their veranda. “And if I win, we’ll make Haridwar a model for the nation.” Though he didn’t secure the seat, his foray highlighted the couple’s commitment to public service. He tried again in the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections from Laksar as an Indian National Congress candidate, undeterred by the challenges.

Not content with medicine and politics alone, the Sainis expanded their vision into hospitality. Spotting an opportunity to boost Dehradun’s tourism, they partnered with Marriott International through their company, SantlaDevi Resorts Private Limited, to launch Le Méridien Dehradun—a luxurious haven blending modern elegance with the serenity of the Himalayas. “Why stop at healing bodies when we can nurture souls?” Pratibha quipped to Antriksha during the groundbreaking ceremony. He nodded, adding, “This hotel isn’t just rooms; it’s a place where stories begin.” Managed by the family, including their sons, the property has become a symbol of their entrepreneurial spirit, offering world-class stays while creating jobs in the region.

in 2026, Dr. Pratibha Saini stands as a multifaceted icon: a fertility expert who’s brought joy to thousands, a supportive partner in her husband’s diverse pursuits, and a businesswoman elevating Dehradun’s profile. Her story is one of resilience, love, and innovation—proving that from the classrooms of St. Thomas to the boardrooms of luxury hotels, one person’s drive can illuminate an entire community. As she often tells young aspirants, “Dream big, but ground it in service. That’s the real legacy.”

Tragically, Dr. Pratibha Saini’s inspiring journey came to an untimely end on February 20, 2026, when she passed away yesterday at the age of 62 years]. Her sudden departure has left a void in the medical community, her family, and the countless lives she touched. “She was more than a doctor; she was a force of nature,” a close colleague shared, tears in their eyes. Antriksha, in a heartfelt statement, said, “Pratibha didn’t just live; she illuminated every path she walked. We’ll carry her vision forward, for her and for Dehradun.” Her legacy endures through the families she helped create, the businesses she built, and the compassion she instilled in those around her. As she often told young aspirants, “Dream big, but ground it in service. That’s the real legacy.” Rest in peace, Dr. Pratibha Saini—your light will forever shine in the hills of Uttarakhand.

Dr. Pratibha Saini was a pioneering gynecologist and infertility specialist in Uttarakhand, widely recognized as one of the first to introduce and successfully implement IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), ICSI, and advanced fertility treatments in the region, including North Western UP and parts of North India. She founded and owned Saini IVF & Fertility Research Centre in Dehradun (located at 101, Rajpur Road, Chandralok Colony, Hathibarkala Salwala), where she practiced for over 27 years, specializing in gynecological care, infertility treatment, IVF, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy. She held qualifications of MBBS and MS (Gynecology & Obstetrics) and was trained by leading experts in reproductive medicine.

A compassionate, simple, and down-to-earth individual, Dr. Saini was deeply admired for her gentle empathy, tireless commitment, and the profound joy she brought to thousands of families by helping them achieve parenthood and complete their homes through the gift of new life. Her legacy endures in every child born through her efforts and in the families she supported unconditionally.

She was an alumna of St. Thomas School in Dehradun, where she studied alongside classmates who fondly remembered her humility and kindness. Dr. Gopaljee from Kailash Hospital, a schoolmate and class fellow, described her as a “very simple, down-to-earth lady” and one of the earliest pioneers in IVF in Uttarakhand.

Dr. Shruti Bohra recalled her maternal-like support: “Like a mother, she took us in her wings when we landed in this city 25 years ago. Unconditionally she supported us, always. We are thankful to her for whatever we could shape ourselves into. May her noble soul attain Moksha. It’s a huge loss to us.”

Dr. Krishan Awatar from Synergy Hospital highlighted her enduring impact: “Dr. Saini Ma’am will always be remembered for her gentle empathy, tireless commitment, and the joy she brought into thousands of homes through the gift of new life. Her legacy lives on in every child born through her efforts and in every family she helped become complete. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to her noble soul and strength to her family.”

Dr. PK Gupta shared a personal connection: “She was my junior at St Thomas School Dehradun and came to my clinic when starting practice thirty years back.”

Dr. Manisha, a fellow gynecologist, offered condolences: “Heartfelt condolences to Dr Antariksh sir and entire family. She was the first one to bring IVF to Uttarakhand, very dear and hardworking senior. May Almighty grant her place in his lotus feet.”

शोक संदेश

बड़े दुःख के साथ सूचित किया जाता है कि
मेरी धर्मपत्नी श्रीमती डॉ० प्रतिभा सैनी का स्वर्गवास
दिनांक 20.02.2026, शुक्रवार को हो गया है।

प्रभु की ऐसी ही इच्छा थी। उनकी तेरहवीं
दिनांक 01.03.2026, रविवार को होनी निश्चित हुई है।

कार्यक्रम

हवन : प्रातः 10:00 बजे
प्रसाद : दोपहर 12:00 बजे
शान्तिपाठ : दोपहर 2:00 से 3:00 बजे तक

कार्यक्रम स्थल
गुरुकुल कन्या महाविद्यालय
राजपुर रोड, होटल मधुबन के सामने गली में

शोकाकुल परिवार
डॉ० अविष्कार सैनी (पुत्र)
श्रीमती ममता सैनी (पुत्र वधू)
डॉ० अनमोल सैनी (पुत्र) डॉ० अनन्तरिक्षा सैनी
मो० 7617613444 सैनी टेस्ट ट्यूब बेबी सेंटर
90688344487 101-ए/10, चन्द्र लोक कॉलोनी
राजपुर रोड, देहरादून
मो० 97191243355

Key Information Summary (English)

• Deceased: Smt. Dr. Pratibha Saini (धर्मपत्नी of the poster issuer)
• Date of Passing: Friday, 20 February 2026
• 13th Day Ceremony (Terahvin / तेरहवीं): Sunday, 1 March 2026
• Programme Schedule:
• Havan: 10:00 AM
• Prasad distribution: 12:00 Noon
• Shanti Paath: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Venue: Gurukul Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Rajpur Road, in the lane opposite Hotel Madhuban (Dehradun, Uttarakhand – inferred from address)
• Grieving Family Members Contacted:
• Dr. Avishkar Saini (Son) – 7617613444 / 90688344487
• Smt. Mamta Saini (Daughter-in-law)
• Dr. Anmol Saini (Son)
• Dr. Anantriksha Saini – Saini Test Tube Baby Centre, 101-A/10, Chandra Lok Colony, Rajpur Road, Dehradun – 97191243355

Om Shanti 🕉 🕉. Her noble soul has left an irreplaceable void in the medical community and among those she touched, but her contributions to reproductive health and compassionate care in Uttarakhand will continue to inspire.