Kolkata: With a commitment to preserve medical heritage, students and doctors of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital gathered at Maniktala Christian Cemetery on Monday to observe a commemorative programme, honouring Lalit Mohan Banerji (1880–1968), one of India’s most celebrated surgical pioneers.The special programme was aimed at reconnecting contemporary medical trainees with the legacy of Banerji, India’s first professor of surgery, who performed surgical procedures on Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and was also the personal surgeon to the President of India. An alumnus of the University of Calcutta, Banerji was the pioneering professional to earn a Master of Surgery (MS) degree and he subsequently dedicated nearly two decades of his career as a professor at R G Kar. Banerji was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1955 and his extensive career included military medical service—where he was attained the rank of Colonel—and other high-profile clinical engagements.Banerji was also a founding member of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), serving as its third president from 1941 to 1942, and maintained a close friendship with Bidhan Chandra Roy, eminent physician and former chief minister. “We knew about medical luminaries such as, B C Roy, Kadambini Ganguly and Nil Ratan Sarkar, but not much about Lalit Mohan Banerji. This was our attempt at getting deeper into his medical legacy,” said Nisar Alam, an MBBS final-year student.The students took up a clean-up drive at Banerji’s grave, following which they adorned the grave with flowers and candles, paying tribute to his contributions. Rev Saikat Nath, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, held a special memorial prayer for the late surgeon. Representatives from the Association of Surgeons of India joined the event, fostering a confluence of the medical fraternity, the church and the students’ body. “There was something deeply meaningful about this gathering. Doctors and students from the institute Banerji helped shape stood together at his resting place. Though separated by generations, they were bound by the same calling,” said Wangdup Lama, an intern.Organisers pointed out that the initiative served to bridge the gap between historical textbooks and active remembrance, ensuring that Banerji’s monumental role in shaping Indian surgery continued to inspire generations of future physicians.
