What my alma mater has given to me
As I was preparing for today’s complex craniopharyngioma surgery, my thoughts wandered back to the corridors of Bangur Institute of Neurosciences , Kolkata where my journey as a neurosurgeon truly began. It’s been long 13 years since I joined my training, yet the memories are so fresh and the lessons learned within those brick walls of Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER) & SSKM hospital remain as sharp as my surgical instruments.
I can still feel the humid Kolkata air as I first walked into IPGMER, its distinctive brick walled building standing as a testament to centuries of medical excellence. Established in 1770 as PG hospital and then transformed into IPGMER in 1960, it wasn’t just a training ground – it was a legacy. As the only woman through non service quota as a resident, I felt both the weight of its history and the responsibility to contribute to its future.
The rigorous training at BIN was legendary, living up to its reputation as one of India’s premier neurosurgical centers. Our days would begin before the city awakened, often ending long sometimes after the trams had stopped running. The weekly clinical meetings in the historic lecture hall were intellectual battlegrounds. Residents would present cases before an assembly of senior neurosurgeons, like Prof.S N Ghosh, Prof. Anup Chowdhury, Prof Subhashish Ghosh, Prof S.Deb each bringing decades of experience to the discussion. These sessions taught me that while technical skill is crucial, the ability to think critically and collaborate with colleagues is equally important.
All my mentors never discriminated against me for being a lady resident. Also the support given by my batchmates (special mention to my unit mates Dr Rajneesh and Dr Iqbal) and my seniors was very crucial during my residency. The friendships forged during those grueling years have proven invaluable.Many of my fellow alumni / seniors are now leading neurosurgeons across the country, and our shared foundation allows us to collaborate effectively, pushing the field forward together.
What set BIN apart was its unique blend of traditional surgical wisdom and modern techniques. The institute’s connection to the centuries-old hospital meant we were part of a lineage stretching back to the foundations of modern medicine in India. Yet, we also worked with state-of-the-art equipment, learning to balance time-tested methods with cutting-edge techniques. But the experience gained in the institute has given us strength to operate in any adverse conditions and save the life of the patient anywhere in India.
BIN’s being a prestigious government institute, exposed us to a vast array of neurosurgical conditions from trauma to complex tumors . My heart used to cry to see the poor population suffering due to lack of money, but also happiness on their face after the treatment used to make my day. The institute’s motto, “Service, Teaching, and Research,” wasn’t just words on a plaque—it was our daily reality.
Despite the demanding schedule, Kolkata’s vibrant culture seeped into our training experience. Post round discussions over chai and biscuits (especially with Late Dr Anup Chowdhury sir) at the nearby tea stalls became impromptu learning sessions and stress busters. These moments of camaraderie, uniquely Bengali in their warmth and intellectual fervor, were as educational as our time in the OR.
Also, the enchanting experience of Durga Pooja, the calming experience of breeze Rabindra Sarovar, the melodious songs at Rabindra sadan, the shaking experience hustling buzz at Howrah Bridge, the mouth watering experience while eating Jhal muri, mishti doi, club kachori, Kulhad chai ….are all unforgettable.
BIN and Kolkata gave me more than surgical training; it gave me the confidence to excel in a demanding specialty, it gave me the skills to save lives, and the vision to contribute to the evolution of neurosurgery in India , it taught me that excellence knows no gender, and last not the least the love for the essence of life. As I advance in my career, I carry with me not just the prestigious name of my alma mater, but its spirit of excellence, compassion and service to mankind, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in every surgical endeavor.
As I write this, my heart aches for the current situation in Kolkata. The recent tragic incident has cast a shadow over this magnificent city that gave me so much. Every news report from Kolkata brings a mix of pain and concern. Yet, even in these difficult times, the resilience that BIN instilled in us shines through. My colleagues there continue their noble work, fighting against all odds, embodying the spirit that makes BIN and Kolkata so special.
I remain forever indebted to this city and its people. Kolkata, with its intellectual vibrancy, its warmth, and its indomitable spirit, shaped not just my surgical skills but my very identity as a doctor. From the bustling streets of AJC bose road , to the peaceful evenings by the side of Rabindra Sarovar every corner of this city contributed to my journey.
The current struggles cannot overshadow what BIN and Kolkata have given to countless medical professionals like me. My alma mater taught me more than neurosurgery; it taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of staying true to one’s principles even in the face of adversity. The City of Joy, as Kolkata is known, joy being her true essence, filled our grueling training days with poetry, culture, and humanity – elements that make a doctor truly complete.
Today, as I see the challenges my alma mater faces, I feel an even stronger connection to its legacy. Every surgery I perform carries within it the teachings of BIN, every patient I treat benefits from the wisdom Kolkata imparted to me. We may be going through difficult times, but the foundations built by institutions like BIN are unshakeable.
