In the medical history of Rajasthan, Dr. S. R. Mehta (often remembered as Sheetal Raj Mehta in local accounts) stands as one of the quiet builders of modern hospital medicine at Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur. Born on 1 April 1931, he belonged to the second batch of students who entered the newly established SMS Medical College in 1948. He graduated with distinction and completed his MD in Medicine in 1957, winning the gold medal—an early sign of the precision and dedication that would mark his long career.

He chose to remain at his alma mater rather than seek opportunities elsewhere. Over the decades he rose through the ranks, shaping clinical standards, teaching generations of students, and playing a central role in expanding the institution’s capabilities. Under his influence SMS Medical College acquired its super-specialty services, a nuclear-medicine facility, and a dedicated women’s hospital—developments that transformed the college from a solid teaching hospital into a more comprehensive centre of care for the region.

Colleagues remembered a physician who insisted on rigorous clinical examination and clear teaching. One of his former residents later recalled asking him why he continued to scrutinise every case note long after he could have delegated the work.

Dr. Mehta answered simply, “A hospital is only as strong as the habits of its doctors. If we become careless, the patients pay the price.”

His contributions to medical education and institutional growth in Rajasthan were recognised by the Government of India with the Padma Shri. He also received the Dr. B. C. Roy Award, confirming his standing among the nation’s respected medical teachers and administrators.

Even in his later years he remained a voice of clinical integrity, offering advice on standards and education until shortly before his death on 21 May 2026 at the age of ninety-five. In the story of SMS Medical College and of medicine in Rajasthan, Dr. S. R. Mehta is remembered as the steady hand who helped turn a young medical college into a lasting centre of teaching and specialised care.