Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy: The reason India celebrates Doctors' Day
What's the story
Doctor's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. In India, we celebrate it on July 1 every year. This day marks the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a legendary physician and the second chief minister of West Bengal. Dr. Roy believed that only when people are physically and mentally healthy can they work towards achieving India's freedom.
Early life
Dr. Roy's early life and educational background
Dr. Roy was born in 1882 in Patna. He studied Mathematics and then went on to study medicine at the University of Calcutta. He then went abroad for further studies at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. In 1911, he graduated with excellent grades and became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Struggle
His perseverance to get admission to his dream university
Dr. Roy, initially, was denied admission to St. Bartholomew's Hospital because of his Asian roots. However, he was so determined to get an admission that he met with the university dean over 30 times in just a month and a half. His perseverance paid off, and he was accepted into the university. He graduated with flying colors, which was a rare accomplishment then.
Political career
He was quite active in politics as well
Dr. Roy was not only a doctor but also a politician. After returning from London, he joined Mahatma Gandhi's movement and became his close friend and personal doctor. When Gandhi fasted for 21 days in Poona, Dr. Roy took care of him. After India became independent, he became the governor of Uttar Pradesh and later the chief minister of West Bengal.
Credits to his name
He was instrumental in creating India's two prestigious medical institutions
Dr. Roy is widely recognized for providing quality healthcare to the common people. He played a key role in establishing the Indian Medical Association in 1928 and the Medical Council of India, where he served as the first president from 1939 to 1945. He also helped start the Indian Institute of Mental Health, the Infectious Disease Hospital, and Kolkata's first-ever postgraduate medical college.
Recognition
Awards and recognition
Dr. Roy received the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, India's highest civilian award, in 1961. In 1962, the B.C. Roy National Award was established in his honor to celebrate his remarkable contributions in various fields such as medicine, politics, science, philosophy, literature, and arts. Tragically, Dr. Roy passed away at the age of 80 on July 1, 1962, the exact day of his birth.