Dr ali jan kashmir biography of christopher

One of Kashmir’s top gastroenterologists and researchers who once headed the SKIMS, Dr M Sultan Khuroo explains why Dr Ali M Jan was a legend and ahead of his times

Prof (Dr) Ali Mohammad Jan (September 3, 1914 – October 31, 1988) was a legend for Kashmir in his lifetime.

Ali Jan, as he was popularly known was a household name.

I knew Jan Sahib as a medical student, resident doctor, practising physician, consultant and Head Gastroenterology, Dean Medical Faculty and Director Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

I watched him closely in all these capacities, and, more importantly, as a human being.

To become a legend, one needs to have qualities like wisdom, hard work, dedication, focused attention, honesty, discipline and above all the art of availing the opportunities which come your way.

Student Days

As a child, I had heard his name from my parents.

During my early days in medical school, I saw him several times in the corridors and in