Life & Legacy
Early Life
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka was born on 1 October 1948 in Muktapur village near Baihata Chariali in Kamrup district, Assam. Growing up in rural Assam, he developed a strong interest in education and science. His dedication and academic excellence later helped him become one of India's leading medical specialists.
Education
He completed his schooling at Patidarang Vidyapeeth High School. In 1969, he earned his MBBS degree from Gauhati Medical College, one of Assam's most prestigious medical institutions. Determined to specialize further, he joined AIIMS New Delhi, where he completed his Master of Surgery (MS) in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) in 1973.
To strengthen his expertise, Dr. Deka underwent advanced medical training at renowned institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital, Yale University Medical Center, Northwestern University, Melbourne University, and the Bionic Ear Institute, Australia, where he received specialized training in cochlear implant surgery.
Medical Career
Dr. Deka began his academic career by serving at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, followed by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry. In 1981, he joined AIIMS New Delhi as a faculty member and gradually rose through various leadership positions because of his excellence in patient care, teaching, and research.
He became Head of the Department of ENT in 1995 and later served as Dean of AIIMS from 2006. On 10 March 2009, he officially assumed charge as the Director of AIIMS New Delhi, becoming the first Assamese doctor to lead India's premier medical institute. During his tenure from 2009 to 2013, he focused on improving patient services, strengthening medical education, encouraging advanced research, and promoting emerging fields such as stem cell research.
Pioneer in Cochlear Implant Surgery
Dr. Deka is regarded as one of India's pioneers in cochlear implant surgery. He introduced several advanced hearing restoration techniques and performed more than 200 cochlear implant surgeries, including over 160 successful operations on children. He is also credited with performing India's first bilateral cochlear implant surgery, significantly advancing hearing rehabilitation in the country.
Research and Academic Contributions
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Deka has authored and co-authored over 200 scientific papers published in leading national and international medical journals. His research covers hearing disorders, rhinology, skull base surgery, paediatric ENT, laryngeal cancer, audiology, cochlear implants, facial nerve disorders, and advanced surgical techniques. His publications continue to serve as valuable references for ENT specialists and medical researchers worldwide.
Leadership Positions
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Deka held several important leadership positions, including:
- Director, AIIMS New Delhi (2009-2013)
- Dean, AIIMS New Delhi (2006-2009)
- Head, Department of ENT, AIIMS New Delhi (1995 onwards)
- Chairman, Indian Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- President, Association of Otolaryngologists of India
- President, All India Rhinology Society
- President, Neuro-Otological Society of India
- Chairman, Editorial Board of the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
- WHO Regional Chairman for Prevention and Control of Deafness in South-East Asia
- Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology (FAAO)
- Fellow of the International Medical Sciences Academy (FIMSA)
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Deka has received numerous national and international honours for his exceptional contribution to medicine and healthcare.
- Kamal Kumari National Award for Science and Technology (2010)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, World Congress on Drugless Therapies (2010)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, AIIMS New Delhi (2026)
- Rashtriya Ratan Award (1999)
- Bharat Gaurav Award
- Best Citizen of India Award
- Best ENT Services Award by Jammu ENT Society
- G.D. Birla Oration Award
- Dr. R.A.F. Cooper Gold Medal Award
- NES India Research Gold Medal
- Recognized among the Top 100 Most Trusted People in India by Reader's Digest (2010)
Books and Publications
Although Dr. Deka is primarily known as a medical researcher rather than a book author, he has contributed extensively to medical literature through more than 200 peer-reviewed research papers, book chapters, and scientific publications on ENT surgery, hearing disorders, cochlear implants, rhinology, skull base surgery, paediatric ENT, and related specialties.
FAQs about Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka
1. Who is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka?
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka is an internationally renowned ENT surgeon from Assam and the first Assamese to serve as the Director of AIIMS New Delhi.
2. Why is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka famous?
He is famous for pioneering cochlear implant surgery in India and leading AIIMS New Delhi as its Director.
3. When did Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka become AIIMS Director?
He officially took charge as Director of AIIMS New Delhi on 10 March 2009.
4. Where was Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka born?
He was born in Muktapur village near Baihata Chariali in Kamrup district, Assam.
5. Which medical specialty does Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka belong to?
He is a specialist in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Head and Neck Surgery, and cochlear implant surgery.
6. Which college did Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka graduate from?
He completed his MBBS from Gauhati Medical College and his MS in ENT from AIIMS New Delhi.
7. How many cochlear implant surgeries has Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka performed?
He has successfully performed more than 200 cochlear implant surgeries, including over 160 procedures on children.
8. What are the major awards received by Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka?
His notable honours include the Kamal Kumari National Award, Rashtriya Ratan Award, Bharat Gaurav Award, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and several national and international medical recognitions.
9. Has Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka contributed to medical research?
Yes. He has published more than 200 research papers in reputed national and international medical journals.
10. Is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka still alive?
Yes. According to the latest available information, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Deka is alive and was honoured with the AIIMS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.
