Yesterday, I had the distinct honor of attending the National Doctor’s Day celebration at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Ranchi with my son, Dr. Judhajit, a respected physician in his own right. The occasion, which marked National Doctor’s Day in India, was dedicated to honouring the birth and monumental contributions of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. It is a day set aside to recognize the selfless service of doctors, and there could be no more fitting tribute than reflecting on the life of Dr. Roy, whose legacy as a healer, leader, and visionary continues to inspire generations.

India celebrates National Doctor’s Day on July 1st, the birthday of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose life embodies the very essence of service, dedication, and excellence in both medicine and public life. As I sat there, reflecting on the profound impact of his contributions, I felt compelled to pen this homage, not only to a legendary doctor but also to a man whose work transcended the confines of healthcare and reshaped the landscape of Indian politics and development.

Early Life and Educational Journey

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on July 1, 1882, in a small village in Bengal. His journey to becoming one of India’s most distinguished physicians and public servants was one of perseverance, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to his ideals. After completing his schooling in Calcutta (now Kolkata), he pursued his medical studies at Calcutta University, where he earned his MD. However, it was his time in London that would mark the beginning of his exceptional career.

In 1909, Dr. Roy moved to England to pursue further studies at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. His perseverance was evident when the dean initially rejected his application. Undeterred by the setback, Dr. Roy made it his mission to meet the dean repeatedly over the span of six weeks, and through his relentless determination, he was finally accepted. This initial struggle highlighted the tenacity and resolve that would characterize his entire career.

While in England, Dr. Roy excelled academically, passing the rigorous examinations of both the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). With these qualifications, he returned to India in 1911, prepared to make an indelible mark on the country’s medical and political landscape.

A Doctor and a Freedom Fighter

Upon his return to India, Dr. Roy became deeply involved in the Indian independence movement. His medical expertise and dedication to service earned him the respect of leaders in both the political and medical fields. He became one of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal physicians, a role that underscored his medical expertise and his commitment to serving the greater good of his country.

Dr. Roy’s medical prowess was paralleled by his growing involvement in Bengal politics. He was not only a healer but also a leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Bengal. His medical practice continued alongside his political activities, and he gained recognition as a symbol of compassionate leadership, blending the roles of doctor, politician, and social reformer.

A Visionary Leader in Post-Independence India

After India gained independence, Dr. Roy’s leadership in West Bengal became a defining feature of his career. He served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for an impressive fourteen years, from 1948 until his death in 1962. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s infrastructure and healthcare systems, ensuring that the benefits of independence reached every corner of society.

Dr. Roy was instrumental in the establishment of several institutions and initiatives that continue to impact the lives of millions today. He was one of the founding members of the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India, two bodies that have played an integral role in shaping the future of medical practice and healthcare standards in India.

Under his leadership, West Bengal saw the establishment of several important medical institutions, as well as significant advancements in public health and education. His work in the healthcare sector was not confined to medical practice alone—he understood that healthcare infrastructure and public health initiatives were crucial for the well-being of society.

The Man Who Impacted Politics and Urban Development

Dr. Roy’s influence was not limited to the medical field. He was also a key figure in Indian politics, serving in several prestigious positions. He was the mayor of Calcutta in 1931, succeeding the legendary Subhas Chandra Bose, and he later went on to become the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University from 1942 to 1944.

The Encounter with President Kennedy

When Dr. Roy entered the room to meet President Kennedy, it was clear that the two men, despite hailing from vastly different worlds, had something in common: their deep commitment to the welfare of their people and their respective countries. But what happened next was an unexpected twist that would solidify Dr. Roy’s place in the annals of history, not just as a leader and physician, but as a man of keen perception and remarkable skill.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Dr. Roy, ever observant, noted that President Kennedy appeared to be in discomfort. It didn’t take long for Dr. Roy to discern that the President was suffering from back pain. Without hesitation, Dr. Roy, known for his precision and diagnostic acumen, inquired about Kennedy’s condition. The President, a bit surprised by the doctor’s directness, confessed that he had been experiencing persistent back pain.

In a moment that is often recounted as an example of Dr. Roy’s sharp medical intuition, he immediately asked President Kennedy to share the details of his previous treatments and prescriptions. Dr. Roy, known for his expertise in diagnostics, carefully reviewed the information and then suggested adjustments to Kennedy’s treatment.

The Bold Prescription

The most striking part of the encounter came after Dr. Roy examined the President and made his medical suggestions. Before leaving, he did something that many found unusual: he asked for a fee for his consultation. However, this was not a typical request—it was a symbolic gesture that reflected Dr. Roy’s belief in the importance of development and infrastructure.

Dr. Roy’s request was nothing short of extraordinary. He asked President Kennedy for a contribution of Rs 300 crores (around $100 million at the time) for the development of Kolkata, India’s cultural capital, which was undergoing significant challenges at the time. This was not merely a request for personal or political gain; it was a call for investment in the city’s urban development, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

President Kennedy, impressed by Dr. Roy’s directness and his larger vision for urban development, did not hesitate. He agreed to the proposal, and what followed was the establishment of the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), a key institution in the transformation of Kolkata.

A Legend Who Became a Symbol

Dr. Roy’s contributions to both medicine and politics were recognized by the Indian government, which awarded him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1961. His death on July 1, 1962, on the very day of his birth, was a poignant reminder of the full circle he had completed in his life. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless institutions and reforms he established.

His life and work continue to inspire not just doctors, but all of us who strive to make a difference in the world. He was a man who dedicated himself to serving others, who believed in the power of education and healthcare to transform lives, and who understood that true leadership involves both vision and action.

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy: A Legacy of Dedication

In honoring Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, we remember a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a doctor, a politician, a visionary, and a true son of India. His legacy, woven into the fabric of Indian society, continues to inspire generations of doctors, leaders, and citizens who strive to make a positive impact.

As I reflect on Dr. Roy’s contributions during the National Doctor’s Day celebration, I am reminded of the immense responsibility we all have as individuals to serve our communities, to strive for excellence in our work, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to making the world a better place. Dr. Roy’s example reminds us that the best way to honor his memory is by continuing to live out the values of service, compassion, and leadership that he exemplified throughout his life.

In this moment of tribute, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all the doctors, including my son, Dr. Judhajit, who follow in the footsteps of this great man, working tirelessly to heal and improve the lives of others. Their work, too, is a part of the enduring legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, and it is in their dedication that his influence continues to be felt, shaping the future of medicine and healthcare in India.