Kolkata Pays Tribute to Dr. Mani Kumar Chhetri, Medical Visionary
The medical community in Kolkata is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Mani Kumar Chhetri, a revered physician who died on Sunday night at the age of 106. Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues, students, and admirers, celebrating his immense contributions to healthcare in West Bengal.
Documentary and Book to Honor Legacy
A group of doctors is currently working on releasing a documentary titled Endocrinology in Bengal, which features Dr. Chhetri and traces the beginnings of this specialist subject in the state. The film focuses on the state-run IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, where Chhetri served as director. Additionally, the project is being written as a coffee-table book, with a chapter dedicated to Chhetri discussing why he felt the need to establish specialty departments.
Professor Sujoy Ghosh, an endocrinology expert at IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, shared insights into the documentary. "We shot the video of Mani Chhetri in August 2025 as part of this documentary that traces the history of endocrinology in Bengal. We had to speak to him because of the role he played in developing the department as director of IPGMER. When we filmed him, he was already 105, and yet his mental faculty, agility and energy for a person of that age were just unbelievable," he said.
Pioneering Contributions to Medicine
Dr. Chhetri returned from the UK with an FRCP qualification and joined IPGMER & SSKM Hospital as director in 1960. During his tenure, he is credited with helping establish separate departments not only for endocrinology but also for cardiology and neurology at the hospital. His efforts laid the foundation for advanced medical services in the state's premier health institute.
Known as a tough taskmaster with a gentle soul, Chhetri was deeply respected by his peers and juniors for his mentorship and pioneering activities. Even after retiring from his government job, he returned to SSKM Hospital as an emeritus professor, continuing to guide junior doctors and support patient care.
Personal Reflections from Colleagues
Dr. Tapas Kumar, a medicine specialist, recalled his experiences working under Chhetri. "I had the opportunity to work under him as an assistant at SSKM's medicine OPD for about a year. By that time, he was already a big shot with knowledge and expertise in medicine. But he was never intimidating, even while correcting our mistakes or guiding us for a better outcome. He was a tough taskmaster but had a heart of gold," he said.
Kumar continued to learn from Chhetri for years, working under him at AMRI Dhakuria for 12-13 years. Many colleagues visited Chhetri at his Ballygunge home until about a month ago, when he sustained injuries from a fall.
An administrator at IPGMER & SSKM Hospital added, "Though I have not had the opportunity to train or work under him, I have seen him visiting the medicine department often in our hospital. He would discuss issues and interact with the existing faculty members."
Legacy of Research and Dedication
In his heydays, Dr. Chhetri was a prolific researcher, deeply engaged in reading breakthrough research articles from both international and national medical journals. His commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape in Kolkata and beyond.
As the documentary and book near completion, they will serve as lasting testaments to Dr. Mani Kumar Chhetri's extraordinary life and work, inspiring future generations of medical professionals.
