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NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Independence Day 2025: Doctors & Medical Practitioners Who Played A Role In India's Freedom Struggle
India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day this year as it marks the nation's liberation from over two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947. It is not only a symbol of political freedom but also a turning point in the social, cultural, and scientific development of the country. It gave birth to the vision of a modern India where sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and science could grow in ways that served the nation's unique challenges. Which is why significance of Independence Day also extends deeply into the medical field. Before 1947, India's healthcare system was underdeveloped, heavily urban-centric, and largely inaccessible to the rural majority. Colonial health policies primarily aimed to protect British officials and soldiers rather than the Indian population. During the freedom struggle, doctors were not merely healers but also agents of change and resistance. Many used their medical expertise to support injured protestors, treat revolutionaries in hiding, and provide medical aid in rural areas neglected by the colonial administration. For them, medicine was not just a profession but a tool for empowerment and nation-building. Some refused to serve in colonial hospitals, instead dedicating their skills to nationalist causes. Their clinics often became hubs of political discussion and mobilisation. By advocating for health as a fundamental right, they helped lay the groundwork for the idea that true independence included freedom from disease, poverty, and neglect. They played a notable role in facilitating freedom through their medical service and their passionate steps to fight for the nation. Below we share few of the many heroic doctors who played a crucial role in helping India achieve freedom. Doctors who played a monumental role in India's independence: 1. Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was one of India's most renowned physicians and a former Chief Minister of West Bengal, was both a respected freedom fighter and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, whom he had personally treated. His leadership in Bengal's Civil Disobedience Movement led to his arrest and imprisonment by the British. In recognition of his service to the nation, he was later honoured with the Bharat Ratna, and his birth anniversary is commemorated as Doctors' Day in India. 2. Captain Laxmi Sehgal Captain Laxmi Sehgal was born in Malabar, earned her MBBS from Madras Medical College in 1938 and went on to obtain a diploma in gynaecology. Her life took a revolutionary turn when she moved to Singapore, where she met Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Entrusted with creating the women's wing of the Azad Hind Fauj, she rose to the rank of 'Captain' and led her battalion into Burma to fight against British forces. After India's independence, she settled in Kanpur, dedicating herself to medical service as a practising gynaecologist. 3. Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya graduated from Madras Christian College, built a flourishing medical practice in present-day Andhra Pradesh. However, his dedication to the nation's cause outweighed personal ambitions. He became an active member of the Andhra Congress Committee and later served in the All India Congress Committee. His participation in the Quit India Movement of 1942 led to a three-year imprisonment by the British. 4. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was a brilliant alumna of Madras Medical College, earned multiple honours and medals during her medical education. Although she had a promising career in medicine ahead of her, she chose to devote herself to the independence movement, inspired by leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Mahatma Gandhi. After freedom was won, she channelled her commitment to social service into healthcare, founding the Adyar Cancer Institute which is today one of India's leading cancer treatment centres. In essence, India's Independence Day is a reminder that freedom is multifaceted. It includes political autonomy, cultural identity, and the right to health and wellbeing. The doctors of that era understood this deeply. They fought not only against foreign rule but also against the sickness and inequality that weakened the country from within. Their legacy continues in the modern Indian healthcare system, which strives to uphold the vision of a healthier, freer, and more self-reliant nation. 5. Dr. Jadugopal Mukherjee Known more popularly as an associate of revolutionary Bagha Jatin and the leader of the Jugantar movement in Bengal, Dr. Jadugopal Mukherjee studied at the Calcutta Medical College in 1908. However, he discontinued his studies as he became more active in the freedom struggle. In 1921, he had to obtain a special permission to sit for his medical degree examination, but passed it with flying colours in 1922. In the 1920s and hence, Dr. Jadugopal Mukherjee united Jugantar with the Indian National Congress, and continued to be a part of the mainstream freedom struggle. And yet, his legacy as a doctor who treated tuberculosis patients in Ranchi is equally prominent. 6. Dr. M.A. Ansari While most people remember Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari as one of the founders and chancellors of Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University, and a close associate of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, what many don't know is this freedom fighter's contributions to the field of medicine. Dr. Ansari obtained his medical degree from Madras Medical College, and went to England to study for his M.D. and M.S. degrees. One of the leading medical students at London Lock Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital, he earned fame as a urologist-in fact, Charing Cross Hospital still has an Ansari Ward. His medical legacy is firmly placed in his book, Regeneration Of Man. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
The Hindu
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
President Murmu lauds contributions of former West Bengal Chief Minister Dr B.C. Roy
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday (July 30, 2025), lauded the efforts of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy as the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, in her public address at the first convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani in West Bengal's Nadia district. Ms Murmu highlighted that Dr Roy laid the foundation stone of the planned city of Kalyani and that during his long tenure as Chief Minister, he served patients free of cost. 'This institute is located in a city that was established by an exemplary chief minister and doctor. As such, the students, teachers and administrators of this institute should aim very high and aspire to make AIIMS Kalyani an institute of national pride,' the President said. She added that they should also aspire to follow Dr B.C. Roy's footsteps and provide their services for free to the ailing and socioeconomically deprived people. The President, in her address, also highlighted the contributions of Bengali revolutionary Jatindranath Mukhopadhyay, also known as Bagha Jatin, and writer Dinabandhu Mitra to the country's renaissance in the 19th century. Notably, both had associations with Nadia district. AIIMS Kalyani was established in 2018 in Kalyani in Nadia district by the Union government and started its first academic session in September 2019, with a batch of 50 MBBS students.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Cosmo Para Salt Lake
1 2 3 4 5 6 In the early summer of 1962, a stretch of marshland on the eastern edge of Kolkata began its transformation into what would become one of Bengal's most iconic urban experiments. Guided by the vision of then chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, a planned township was carved out from the shallow waters of a vast salt lake — reclaimed cell by cell with slurry pumped from the Hooghly. This land would come to be known as Bidhannagar, or, more famously, Salt Lake. By the early 1970s, the first residents began to arrive — teachers, clerks, govt officers, and professionals — drawn by the promise of clean streets, planned roads, open spaces and quiet living. The timing coincided with a tumultuous historical moment: during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Sector II of Salt Lake temporarily housed over a lakh refugees. Soon after, the township hosted the Congress party's national session. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi stayed in the newly built guest house, later renamed Indira Bhavan, which eventually became the home of CPI(M) patriarch and former CM Jyoti Basu. Through the 1980s and into the '90s, Salt Lake's reputation began to crystallize. With 64 blocks and five sectors, it wasn't just a satellite township any more — it was the address to be at. While the rest of Kolkata struggled with crumbling infrastructure and narrow lanes, Salt Lake represented vision, order and quiet affluence. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Each block was carefully planned, complete with parks, community markets, and housing plots that came with their own garages. The concept of "para" evolved into something more sophisticated: neighbours gathered in well-maintained parks, shopped at clean markets that were zoned, and bonded over morning walks and evening adda sessions in open fields. Residents recall those years with unmistakable fondness. "When we moved here in 1985, it felt like a different country," said Kalyan Chakraborty (80), a former state govt employee and one of the oldest residents of Salt Lake. "Wide roads, green cover, no hawkers cluttering the pavements. It was peaceful and elegant — something Kolkata wasn't." Chandra Mukherjee of AC Block echoed the sentiment: "In the '90s, this was a power address. Ministers, bureaucrats, film stars — everyone who mattered had a house in Salt Lake." Indeed, under the Left Front regime, Bidhannagar became the nerve centre of political power. Former CM Basu resided here, as did cabinet members like former sports minister Subhas Chakraborty and former finance minister Asim Dasgupta. Their presence turned Salt Lake into a fortress of authority and sophistication. It was not uncommon to spot top actors, academics, and senior officials mingling in neighbourhood events or catching an early morning walk around the stadium. Civic infrastructure kept pace. The township boasted of an international-standard football stadium — Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan — as well as City Centre mall, a dedicated fairground, and its own swimming pool. Add to that well-planned roads separated by traffic islands, a healthy drainage system, clean water supply and strict building regulations that limited height and prevented congestion, Salt Lake was held up as the model for future Indian urbanism. But like all cities built on dreams, Salt Lake, too, has seen its foundations shift. Over the last 15 years, a slow but steady transformation has taken hold. The children of the original settlers, now professionals in their 30s and 40s, have increasingly moved away — either to other Indian cities or abroad. Left behind are elderly parents, large family homes, and a township gradually hollowing from within. "In most big houses, elderly residents live alone," said Gora Roy, secretary of CF Block residents' association. "Their children live elsewhere and elderly couples are left all by themselves. Many have even moved away with their children, leaving the homes empty." To make practical use of these oversized homes — and to generate income — many residents have converted their ground floors into commercial spaces. Cafes, boutiques, coaching centres, salons and clinics have popped up across blocks. While this has infused Salt Lake with a buzz of activity, it has also opened the doors to more dubious enterprises. In recent years, the township has made headlines for the wrong reasons: fake call centres operating out of residential homes, shady spas, and other illegal set-ups that exploit the lax enforcement in what was once a tightly regulated space. Police crackdowns are now routine and one of the primary jobs of cops now is to check on elderly residents. Adding to this churn is a demographic shift. An increasing number of non-Bengali-speaking families have bought into the township. Older stand-alone houses have been sold, demolished, and replaced by apartment blocks. The skyline is rising but so is the density — and, in some cases, the friction. The once homogenous Bengali para is now more diverse, but also less cohesive. But with commercial interest intensifying, and property rates soaring, enforcement remains patchy. The township, once proud of its uniformity and restraint, now finds itself grappling with the pressures of unregulated growth. Still, there is hope. Salt Lake remains one of the greenest and most infrastructure-rich areas in the greater Kolkata region. Its community parks, while less populated than before, continue to serve as gathering points. The local markets — despite facing competition from malls and online platforms — retain a loyal base of customers. And in quiet corners, some para traditions endure: a shared cup of tea at dusk, neighbourhood Durga Pujas, a Sunday trip to the fishmonger. "During the first few decades, there was no para culture in Salt Lake as people from outside came up and started living here. Slowly, the block associations came up and a community bonding developed. Now, every block has its own para culture with everyone feeling included," said Kumar Shankar Sadhu, former secretary of Bidhannagar welfare association. Salt Lake has never just been about buildings, boulevards, water tanks and traffic islands. It's always been about people — coming together, making a para their own, and turning the township into home.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘Unity Among Doctors Gives Strength to Serve Society'
1 2 Nagpur: Unity among doctors is the strength that helps us safeguard our profession, ensure ethical practice, and serve society better, said Dr Ravi Chavan, dean of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital (IGGMCH), as he addressed the gathering during the Doctors' Day celebrations organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Nagpur Branch, on Tuesday. The event was held at the IMA Hall, North Ambazari Road, to mark National Doctors' Day, observed in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. This year's theme, 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?', highlighted the emotional and mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and called for greater empathy and support from society. Dr Rajesh Sawarbandhe, president of IMA Nagpur, stressed the importance of acknowledging doctors not just for their clinical service but also for their silent battles. "While the nation rightly looks to doctors as saviours, it's crucial for society to also understand the invisible struggles faced by the medical fraternity. Today is about honouring that dedication and also about reminding ourselves that doctors, too, are human beings who need care and compassion," he said. Senior doctors who dedicated decades of service to the medical field and community welfare were also felicitated on occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dieses Hörgerät kann 2025 alles verändern Gutes Hören Undo Those honoured included Dr Prashant Rahate, Dr Vasant Khalatkar, Dr Chandrashekhar Gillurkar, Dr Mahendra Sawarkar, Dr Harish Chandak, Dr Pratibha Dawande, Dr Mala Kamble, Dr Rafat Khan, Dr Vithalrao Dange, and Dr Harish Kedia. Special felicitations were conferred upon Kavita Isarkar, police inspector, for her exemplary service to public welfare. Dr Diwakar Bhoyar was also honoured for his outstanding achievements as an active sportsperson. Adding a personal touch to the celebrations, meritorious children of IMA members were felicitated for their academic excellence in the Class 10 and 12 examinations, NEET, and achievements in cultural and sports activities. BOX Blood Donation Camp Marks Spirit of Service IMA Nagpur organised a Blood Donation Camp in collaboration with several partner organisations, including Snehi Medical Professionals Welfare Association, Vidarbha Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists, multiple Lions and Rotary Clubs, District Chemists and Druggists Association, Maharashtra State Sales Executive Association, and State Bank of India. Blood banks from GSK, Lata Mangeshkar Hospital (Hingna), and Government Medical College supported the initiative. More than 100 units of blood were collected through this 3-hour camp. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Honouring the Lifesavers: A Tribute on Doctor's Day
Every year on July 1st, India observes Doctor's Day to recognise the invaluable contributions of physicians who dedicate their lives to healing others. This day marks the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of India's most respected physicians and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known for his selfless service and visionary leadership in healthcare, Dr. Roy's legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals across the country. Doctor's Day is not just a celebration it is a moment to pause, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude to the individuals who spend their lives in the service of others. It is a time to acknowledge their perseverance, compassion, and unrelenting efforts in the face of adversity, especially in times when the world is in crisis. In recent years, the global pandemic underscored the vital role that healthcare professionals play, often at great personal risk, in keeping society safe and healthy. Yet, some sacrifices go beyond what words can express. This Doctor's Day, we pause to remember and honor the young doctors who tragically lost their lives in a recent accident at Ahmedabad. Their dedication to healing and commitment to their patients will forever inspire us. At Merck, we recognize the profound impact these individuals made in their communities and the healthcare field. As a global leader and innovator, we stand united in our mission to support and uplift the medical community. Join us in dedicating this special day to their memory and in celebrating the unwavering spirit of all healthcare professionals who strive to make the world a healthier place. The untimely passing of these young doctors is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the courage it takes to choose a path of service. They had committed themselves to a profession that demands not just knowledge, but empathy, resilience, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Even as we mourn their loss, we also honour the lives they led lives filled with purpose and promise. At Merck, we believe that investing in the well-being and recognition of healthcare professionals is not just an act of gratitude, but a societal responsibility. Whether it's through research partnerships, medical innovation, or community outreach, we are committed to creating an ecosystem that supports our doctors both in their careers and personal journeys. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As we mark this Doctor's Day, let us extend our appreciation beyond words. Let us check in on the mental health of our caregivers, advocate for safer working conditions, and encourage more young minds to enter the noble field of medicine with pride. Most importantly, let us carry forward the legacy of those we have lost by living with compassion and care for one another. To every doctor who continues to serve with heart and courage thank you . Your work saves lives, your presence brings hope, and your spirit keeps humanity alive. Disclaimer: Content Produced by Merck Biopharma India
