Dr Saswati Nandy (1953-2021)

Born on 7th November 1953 Dr. Saswati Nandy had a brilliant academic career, passing out from Medical College, Kolkata in 1979, obtaining Diploma in Child Health and completed her M.D. in Preventive and Social Medicine from All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata.

Dr.Nandy was pursuing her career as a dedicated teacher of Public Health, very popular amongst her students and colleagues when in 1995 she was struck with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This did not let deter her from her devotion to work and her determination to pursue her career under the constraints due to her physical disability. Though her physical health deteriorated her spirit did not wane. Her life's journey was not on a bed of roses but she faced it with a radiant smile and had a magical iridescence about her which drew people towards her.

Saswati madam or Saswati di as she was fondly referred to by her students and colleagues had a charming personality. She left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. She had a photographic memory and was not one to forget the important dates in the lives of her colleagues and friends. She was posted at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata for a substantial part of her career where she carried out the nitty gritty of departmental activities with utmost perseverance, care, proficiency and zest.

Dr. Nandy was a patient listener and always responded appropriately and to the context. Her students and friends could approach her with their personal as well as academic problems and she always tried to solve them sincerely. She oozed confidence and will power which made her give her best in all she did.

A brilliant scholar, she was always eager to update herself and had about twenty publications in National and International journals. She was always the first in the department to purchase new edition of books on Public Health which she would then share with whosoever requested. Apart from academic books she was a voracious reader of works of litterateurs like Sunil Gangopadhyay, Manik Bandyopadhyay, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Maheshweta Devi and others. She was fond of reading books by Agatha Christie and had a collection of almost all her publications. She had an ear for music and was fond of Rabindrasangeet and Nazrulgeeti apart from contemporary Bengali songs.

She left for her heavenly abode on 13th September 2021 plunging her relatives and friends in sorrow. Her passing away has left a void in many a heart.