Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani: Manipur’s Visionary Surgeon Healing Lives with Heart and Precision

A Lady with a Vision: The Illuminating Journey of Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani Shining the Light of Sight in Manipur and Beyond

IN the quiet corridors of hospitals and the bustling theatres of surgery, some hands work not just with precision but with purpose. Among those rare hands is that of Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani, Professor and Head of Ophthalmology at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal. Known endearingly as the “magic hand” of Manipur, she is more than a surgeon—she is a lighthouse of hope, guiding thousands out of the darkness of blindness into the joy of sight.

Her story is not just one of personal achievement, but of relentless service, silent sacrifices, and a luminous vision to transform lives through the gift of sight.

A Journey Etched in Dedication

Born with the spirit to serve and the mind to master, Dr. Vidyarani’s journey began with academic brilliance. From R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata to earning her Master’s in Ophthalmology from Silchar Medical College, she built a strong foundation in medical science. But what distinguishes her is not merely where she studied—but how she serves.

With over 23 years of medical experience, her journey through district hospitals, and eventually to JNIMS where she rose to become Head of Department, is marked by consistency, compassion, and unparalleled competence.

The Magic of Her Hands

Performing over 50,000 eye surgeries, her expertise in high-volume cataract surgeries, phacoemulsification, and modern ophthalmic procedures makes her one of the most trusted and respected surgeons in the Northeast. But for Dr. Vidyarani, every surgery is not just a case—it’s a life waiting to be brightened.

Despite long hours and high-pressure procedures, her calm demeanor and unwavering energy often leave even the most anxious patient comforted. “She doesn’t just heal the eyes,” says one grateful patient. “She heals the heart.”

A Leader in Thought and Action

Her leadership transcends the operation theatre. As an academician, Dr. Vidyarani is a passionate mentor shaping future doctors. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in empathy, ethics, and excellence. She is also an active contributor to national and international journals, conferences, and continuous medical education (CME) programmes.

Under her guidance, the Department of Ophthalmology at JNIMS has become a hub of innovation, research, and service delivery, especially for the marginalized.

Recognition Carved in Service

Her wall of accolades is a testament to her impact—President’s Oration Award, FOTI Gold Medal, Sushrut Samman, Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Awards, among many others. But to Dr. Vidyarani, these honors are less about prestige and more about purpose. “Each award reminds me of how much more we need to do,” she often says with a humble smile.

She has been a beacon in community health initiatives, organising hundreds of free eye camps in Manipur’s far-flung hills and rural belts, often trekking through difficult terrain to reach those who otherwise live in visual darkness.

Beyond Borders, Beyond Barriers

Recognized internationally, her work is not limited to India. Through Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bangladesh collaborations, she has contributed to regional medical diplomacy. Her outreach bridges nations through healing, embodying the idea that vision knows no borders.

She is also a fierce advocate for eye donation awareness, encouraging people to give the gift of sight even in death—a campaign that continues to grow under her stewardship.

Strength in Partnership

Behind this trailblazing woman stands an equally committed public servant—her husband, Shri Ram Muivah, MLA of 44 Ukhrul AC. Together, they form a formidable pair of changemakers—he in politics, and she in health. Their synergy reflects a shared mission to uplift and empower.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Vidyarani’s vision is both literal and metaphorical. She dreams of building a model eye care system in Manipur that integrates technology, affordability, and accessibility. She champions better healthcare policies, rural outreach, and skill development among young medical professionals.

Her strategic roadmap includes:

Advanced surgical training programmes

Mobile eye clinics for remote areas

Public-private partnerships for eye care innovation

Rural screening programmes targeting preventable blindness

A Legacy in the Making

For many, she is the doctor who cured their blindness. For her students, she is the guiding light. For Manipur, she is a national treasure. And for the medical community, she is a benchmark of what visionary leadership in healthcare looks like.

In a society often starved of role models who serve with sincerity, Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani stands tall—unassuming yet impactful, accomplished yet humble.

While her accolades are many, it is her humility that resonates most with those who meet her. Patients, colleagues, students, and f fellow citizens speak of her as a beacon of hope—a figure who listens with her heart and heals with her hands.

As a medical professional, teacher, community worker, and visionary, Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani continues to redefine what it means to serve humanity. She is not only building a legacy in ophthalmology but also inspiring an entire generation to view healthcare as a mission, not a profession.

As the sun sets on another day of surgery and service, she prepares for the next one with the same resolve. Because for her, every eye that sees again is a victory—not just for medicine, but for humanity.

In a world clouded by chaos, Dr. Rajkumari Vidyarani brings clarity, hope, and light—one restored vision at a time.

In the heart of Manipur shines a lady with a vision. And through her hands, thousands now see the world anew.

Addie Chiphang

(This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.)