Parindey: Beautiful Photographs of Birds from Indian Subcontinent

Atharv Lakhotia is a young individual with a vibrant passion for creativity and exploration, shaped by a family rich in academic and artistic achievement. As the son of Dr. Siddharth Lakhotia, a distinguished cardiac surgeon, and Major Dr. Anjali Rani, a multifaceted professor of gynaecology, Atharv has inherited a deep appreciation for diverse pursuits. His interests span music, painting, photography—particularly bird photography—and sports, reflecting a curious and adventurous spirit.

Growing up in Varanasi, he has been immersed in a culturally vibrant environment, further enriched by his family's commitment to heritage and education. Atharv's love for kite flying, captured in a 2020 video, showcases his enthusiasm for simple joys and skilful engagement with tradition. Thoughtful and introspective, he views life as a tapestry of memories, dreams, and experiences that shape the present, embodying a promising blend of youthful energy and reflective depth. He is currently pursuing Law from National Law University.

Dr. Siddharth Lakhotia is a renowned cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, currently serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), Varanasi, India. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Lakhotia has played a pivotal role in advancing cardiac and thoracic surgical services in India, particularly in the eastern and northern regions.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 10, 1974, in Ahmedabad on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, Dr. Lakhotia hails from an academically and artistically inclined family with roots in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. His father, Prof. S.C. Lakhotia, is a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award recipient and a distinguished scientist in BHU, while his mother, Smt. Sarita Lakhotia, is an esteemed artist and promoter of art.

Dr. Lakhotia's academic journey began at Central Hindu School, BHU, Varanasi, where he achieved first rank in the Uttar Pradesh State Board Examination (1989) and topped Varanasi district in the Intermediate (1991) exams. He pursued his MBBS at Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata (1994-1998) and completed his MS in General Surgery from Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa (2003). Further specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, he obtained his M.Ch from the Institute of Cardiology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur (2007). Additionally, he completed the J.L. Rohtagi Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum.

Professional Journey

Dr. Lakhotia’s career is marked by significant contributions across multiple esteemed institutions:

· Junior Resident, General Surgery – GM & SGM Hospitals, SS Medical College, Rewa (2000-2003)

· Senior Resident, CTVS – RML Hospital, New Delhi & IMS-BHU (2003-2004)

· Senior Registrar, CTVS – LPS Institute of Cardiology, Kanpur (2004-2007)

· Senior Registrar, Thoracic Surgery – LRS Institute of Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi (2007-2008)

· Junior Consultant, Cardiac Surgery – B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata (2008-2010)

· Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgery – Shubham Hospitals, Varanasi (2010)

· Consultant, Cardiac Surgery – Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot (2010-2011)

· Assistant Professor, CTVS, IMS-BHU (2011-2013)

· Associate Professor, CTVS, IMS-BHU (2013-2017)

· Professor, CTVS, IMS-BHU, Varanasi (2017-Present)

· Head of Department, CTVS, IMS-BHU (2017-2020, 2024-Present)

Under his leadership, IMS-BHU became the only government institution between Lucknow and Kolkata to establish a successful Open Heart Surgery program. His areas of expertise include paediatric cardiac surgery, congenital heart diseases, valvular heart disease, vascular trauma, thoracic surgery and empyema surgery.

Academic and Research Contributions

Dr. Lakhotia is a prolific researcher with over 50 publications in national and international journals as well as chapters in various books. His contributions to medical literature include pioneering studies on congenital heart diseases, empyema thoracis, and cardiac surgery advancements.

He is also an accomplished author, having authored multiple books which can be read on Amazon Kindle www.amazon.com/author/siddharthlakhotia and on Google Play Book Stores

· Eternal Reflections (2015) – A coffee table book featuring over 1000 photographs arranged in a unique colour theme capturing the essence of India along with quotes of wisdom.

· A Legendary Dream: IMS BHU (2020) – A historical chronicle of IMS-BHU’s medical legacy as well as showcasing the life journey of health care professionals and working of hospitals.

· Beyond Syllabus: University Lectures (2020) – A compilation of his lectures promoting holistic learning.

· Basics of Empyema Thoracis: A Practical Approach (2020) – A guide for surgeons managing Empyema Thoracis.

· Eternal Happiness, 2020 The 500 plus colourful pages with 2000 plus stunningly beautiful photos covering all shades of life in India. Book takes you on a journey of moments as the time passes from Dawn to Dusk.

· Frescoes of Life, 2020 First of its kind book showcasing the grandeur and architecture of a Shekhawati Haweli, with details of the life in the Hawelis and it’s architectural marvel through some stunning images.

· The Journey : Dept of CTVS, IMS BHU 2021  The book showcases glimpses of my professional journey and GOOD memories between 2011-2021 It also traces the historical journey of CTVS Dept. since early 1960s

· Journey of White Coat: Doctors in Making and in Action (2023) – Showcasing the education and life of medical students and professionals.

· Abhivyakti : Collection of Paintings by Sarita Lakhotia 2025

· Parindey : 2025 Native and Migratory Birds of India by Atharv Lakhotia

His academic contributions extend to supervising postgraduate theses, serving as an examiner for medical boards and mentoring young surgeons. He has been recipient of various awards and recognitions and has delivered guest lectures at various prestigious platforms. He was instrumental in starting MCh and PDCC courses in his department as well as modernizing OT and ICU complex.

He has made a popular You Tube series on CTVS Educational Surgical Videos. Till now it has more than 40 videos. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe_safEIr_soxeGLRgE65OYDQa 1r_pR36

Made widely circulated video encouraging young medicos to take CTVS as career. https://youtu.be/6wMs1LGcUSU

One of his surgical video on Penetrating injury Thorax with iron rod is one of the most watched surgical video on You Tube from India, with two and half million plus views in more than 70 countries around the world. https://youtu.be/QeknY30NvSU

Special Section: Notable Coffee Table Book on Life Journey of Doctors

IMS BHU: A Legendary Dream

· Author: Dr. Siddharth Lakhotia

· ISBN: 9789354064296

· Pages: 520

· Publisher: Self-published, 2020

· Available on: Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B086J9ZXRX

· Catalogued in: American Library Catalogue https://lccn.loc.gov/2022326748

This one-of-a-kind coffee table book showcases the beautiful world of Medical Sciences and journey of Medicos through over 3,000 stunning photographs and captivating articles. It captures the rigorous training, sacrifices, and dedication that shape the lives of medical students, residents, and doctors. The book is divided into five sections:

1.   Story of IMS – A historical perspective on IMS-BHU.

2.   Tale of White Coat – The journey of medical, dental, Ayurveda, and nursing students.

3.   Glimpses of IMS – Capturing life inside a medical college.

4.   Behind the Curtains – Section showcases the enormous contributions of various people other than Doctors and Nurses in running of a hospital.

5.   Happy Medicos – Showcases the social life of Medicos.

This book is a must-have for medical students, professionals, and healthcare enthusiasts who wish to understand the depth of medical education and hospital life. It is also a valuable resource for aspiring doctors, providing insights into the rigorous yet fulfilling journey of a medical professional.

Personal Interests and Philanthropy

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Lakhotia is deeply engaged in diverse passions. Traveling, Trekking, long road journeys, music, photography, antiques collection, phillumeny, numismatics, philately, toffee wrappers, farming and cinema hall tickets collection have been his passion.  He is a winner of mini marathon at his institute and actively plays table tennis, badminton and enjoys swimming, cycling and walking. A strong follower and believer of Yog, he encourages the same to his patients and students. Nature, Traveling and Life Experiences have been his biggest teachers.

· Photography – He has hosted seven solo exhibitions at premier art galleries, featuring themes like "Sun and its Reflections" , ‘Dreams on Wings’, ‘Rhythms of Happiness’ and "Eternal Happiness of Life".

· Travel and Exploration – He has undertaken long solo road trips driving his car and covering more than 50000kms across India.

· Bio-Farming & Environmental Conservation – He has planted over 1,000 trees in his bio-farming project "Amrit Vatika" and is working on establishing a shelter for elderly cows.

· Music and Cultural Activities – Founder of Triveni Arts Foundation, an art and musical initiative promoting art, music and cultural heritage through various programmes.

· Founded a book and music library comprising more than 5000 books on topics ranging from art, humanity, science, philosophy, religions etc & 1000 plus music albums and records on various subjects and genre from collections of four generations in his family. Library has large collection of stamps, match boxes, coins and other antiques from around the world.

· You Tube Creator: Dr. Siddharth has made more than 1500 small movies/documentaries on different topics including educational videos on heart and lung surgeries, very popular series on Pregnancy, weekend drives around Varanasi & many travelogues and musical videos. Videos made by him can be seen on his three you tube channels 1. Explore Learn & Share, 2. Happy Medicos by Daksh and 3. Triveni Music and Art Centre.  One of his videos on you tube is today the most watched trauma surgery video in the world. @ www.youtube.com/drslakhotia  @www.youtube.com/dakshdocs www.youtube.com/@triveniarts

· Education and Social Work – Founder of DAKSH, a foundation dedicated to extracurricular development among medical students through heritage and nature walks, cultural events, and motivational sessions. Also involved actively in founding a school for children at his ancestor’s place in Churu, Rajasthan. He is also voluntarily involved in project for developing a hospital by Shree Satya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital and Krishna Murty Foundation, Rajghat in Varanasi, which will provide all services free of cost to the patients.

· Write on various topics on his blog www.drslakhotia.blogspot.com

Dr. Siddharth Lakhotia embodies professional excellence, artistic passion, and a deep commitment to societal and environmental well-being. His contributions in the medical field, combined with his dedication to art, culture and education, continue to inspire and impact communities across India.

He is married to Major Dr. Anjali Rani MBBS, MD, DNB, DHA, MBA , FMAS, PhD, Professor of Gynaecology at IMS, BHU who herself is a dancer , marathon runner , black belt in Karate, nature lover, explorer and painter. His son Atharv loves bird photography, traveling, playing harmonium and tabla, painting and sports and is black belt in Karate.

He is a member of ASI, IACTVS, IMA, Asian Association of Cardiothoracic surgeons, INTACH and FIP.

He believes in “We all will be stories one day, let’s make it a beautiful one”

https://www.ctsnet.org/home/slakhotia