Teachers remember Mehta’s early leadership qualities

Nisha Mehta had a natural ability to coordinate and represent, which reflected leadership qualities even then,” said Dr. Latha Venkatesan, principal of her alma mater, though noting that Mehta was not politically active during her student years.Dr. Manju Vats, former principal of the institute, remembers the student differently – quiet, calm, but remarkable.He said, “Nisha Mehta was a very serious and highly intelligent student, who was efficient in her work and studies.” “His discipline and focus stood out,” he said.There were no clear indications then that Nepal’s Health Minister had any future in politics. She was not one of the vocal students.Still, teachers say their journey reflects something deeper — the power of persistence, discipline and a professional foundation.Her rise from a nursing graduate to a national policy maker signals a broader change in how healthcare leadership is developing in Nepal.Nurses, who are often on the front lines of patient care, have an understanding of health systems and the ability to shape policy.This is a proud moment for AIIMS. For the nursing community, it is one of recognition. And for young students, it’s a reminder that leadership doesn’t always start loudly — sometimes, it starts quietly in classrooms and hospital wards, long before the world notices.