National Doctor’s Day In India:- From our first cry to our last breathe there is presence of a doctor and we have heard that doctors are the face of God’s on the Earth. In early period, we had have ‘Vaidhya’ who cured people and in the modern world we have doctors who are saving numerous lives daily. If we start to read about doctors and their contributions, then it will be never ending process. So, let us know about someone who led and inspired the medical world in India to achieve their heights.

National Doctor’s Day In India – Significance:-

We celebrate National Doctor’s Day on 1st July of every year in memory of respected physician, educationist, philanthropist and freedom fighter ‘Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy‘. His birth and death anniversary, which is 1st July is celebrated as the National Doctor’s Day. But why is his birth and death anniversary is celebrated specially and what were his works in medical field, let us know in brief.

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy’s early life:-

He was born to a Bengali family on 1st July 1882 at Bankipore in Patna. His father ‘Prakash Chandra Roy‘ was serving as an excise inspector there in Patna. His mother ‘Aghorkamini Devi‘ was religious and devoted social worker. Bidhan ji had two sisters and two brothers and he was the youngest of the five siblings. Prakash Chandra Roy was a descendant of the family of ‘Maharaja Pradapaditya‘, the rebel Hindu king of Jessore, but Prakash ji did not inherit much wealth from his ancestors.

Bidhan Ji’s parents were ardent ‘Brahmo Samajists’, led an austere and disciplined life and they devoted their time and money to the service of everyone in need, irrespective of caste and creed.

National Doctor’s Day In India – Bidhan Ji’s education:-

He studied at Patna collegiate school in 1897 and obtained his I.A. degree from Presidency College, Calcutta. He completed his undergraduate studies at Patna College, where he obtained B.A. degree with honours in Mathematics. Bidhan Ji left Patna in June 1901 to study at Calcutta Medical College. While at Medical College he came upon an inscription which read, “Whatever thy hands findeth to do, do it with thy might”, these words became a lifelong source of inspiration for him.

Bengal was partitioned while he was in college. Partition was being opposed by Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. Bidhan Ji resisted immense pull of movement, but he controlled his emotions and concentrated on his studies, because he believed he could serve his nation better by qualifying in his profession first.

He was interested in his further studies so he applied at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital to complete his studies in medicine, he left for Britain in February 1909 with ₹ 1,200.
The dean of St. Bartholomew at that time was reluctant to accept an Asian student and rejected Bidhan Ji’s application. Bidhan Ji submitted several additional applications till the dean after 30 admission requests admitted him. He completed his studies in 2 years and 3 months and in May 1911 became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons simultaneously. (Only a few Asians have been able to achieve this success till today). He returned home in 1911.

Bidhan Ji’s inspiring Career –

He believed that SWARAJ would remain a dream unless the people were healthy and strong in mind and body. After returning from Britain, he joined the provincial health services. He exhibited immense dedication and hard work and would served as a nurse whenever necessary. In his free time he practiced privately charging a nominal fees. He taught at the Calcutta Medical College and later at the Campbell Medical School (now N.R.S. Medical College) and the Carmichael Medical College (now R.G. Kar Medical College).
He played an important role in the establishment of the Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institutions (College) and Chittaranjan Lanar Hospital. He opened Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and children in 1926.

He had had great politics career which started in 1925 with constituency election from Barrackpore and he also had been 2nd Chief Minister of West Bengal. He believed in youth and here is a statement from his side which was delivered by him while addressing convocation at the University of Lucknow on 15th December 1956 –

“My young friends, you are soldiers in the battle of freedom-freedom from want, fear, ignorance, frustration and helplessness. By a dint of hard work for the country, rendered in a spirit of selfless service, may you march ahead with hope and courage…”

He devoted his entire life for nation and to his people. The nation honoured him with the Bharat Ratna on 4th February 1961. On 1st July 1962, his 80th birthday, after treating his morning patients and discharging affairs of the state he took a copy of the “Brahmo Geet” and sang a piece from it. 11 hours later he left his mortal body. After his death, his house became a nursing home named after his mother Aghorkamini Devi.

He made his own way through his passion and profession and became an example to everyone.

Thank you for reading our blog on National Doctor’s Day In India, we hope you liked it. Please do share with your friends and families.

Join our telegram channel for daily updates and polls. Link:- https://telegram.me/gyanboostup

Keep Reading Keep Shining.