Dr Sabitava Dasgupta

This Friday marked an end to an illustrious era. Renowned gynaecologist Sabitava Dasgupta, better known as Debol Dasgupta, passed away after a prolonged lung illness at the Tata Main Hospital at the age of 83.

An international figure in the world of medical science, Dr Dasgupta was born in Assam and moved to Jamshedpur in 1947 after completing his medical degree from Calcutta Medical College.

In a career spanning over 60 years, Dasgupta was responsible for turning the steel city into a hot spot for quality treatment and for the growth of Tata Main Hospital (TMH).

“Most of what we see at the hospital today has been his contribution,” said Banambar Ray, general manager, TMH, who knew Dasgupta over 27 years. The talented medico had specialised in not one but three different faculties. He joined TMH as an anaesthetist and later completed his degree in surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology from England.

Founder of the clinical society at TMH, he was responsible for every modern facility available at the obstetrics and gynaecology department of TMH today.

Former national president of Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies of India (FOGSI), Dasgupta also founded the Jamshedpur Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of India (JOGSI).

“His contribution to the world of medical science cannot be counted. A rare genius, he was a guest lecturer and panelist at several international seminars and colleges,” said his son Bhaskar Dasgupta, who is a consultant physician and rheumatologist at South End University in UK.

With over 100 publications and textbooks to his credit, there was another side to this hardcore medico.

An avid pianist and music aficionado, Dasgupta was one of the co-founders of Tagore Society, a well known literary body of the steel city.

“In spite of a busy schedule, his contribution to Tagore Society and Rabindra Bhavan is unprecedented. From starting the ICSE school Tagore Academy to organising the annual book fair for over 25 years, he contributed to every aspect,” said Ashis Chaudhary, general secretary of Tagore Society. Dasgupta was the president of the organisation till his death.

Dasgupta left behind three children and five grand children. His wife Nilima passed away 10 years ago.