Dr. N.K. Agarwala passed away on October 19, 1995, at the age of 57. Born on March 29, 1938, in Kamartbandha Ali, his family traced its roots to Rajasthan, having migrated to Assam in 1840 in pursuit of new opportunities.
He completed his M.B.B.S. from Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he opened a pharmacy in Dibrugarh named Drug House, which grew into a successful business enterprise over the years. That same year, Dr. Agarwala traveled to the United Kingdom to further his medical training. He earned a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) from Liverpool in 1968, followed by a Diploma in Laryngology and Otology (DLO) from London in 1972, and ultimately the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) from Edinburgh in 1974.
During his decade-long professional tenure in the UK, he gained diverse clinical experience – not only in ENT, his chosen specialty – but also in fields such as ophthalmology and renal transplantation. Upon returning to Assam in 1977, he began private practice in Guwahati. Dr. Agarwala quickly earned a reputation as one of the region’s leading ENT surgeons and was among the pioneers in introducing micro ear surgery and rhinoplasty in Assam.
His rapport with patients was exceptional – marked by compassion, empathy, and emotional sensitivity. Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Agarwala was also known for his lifelong passion for magic, a hobby from childhood that he pursued with remarkable dedication. His captivating performances earned him acclaim across Assam, India, and internationally, including in Japan and the United States. He was honored with the Jadu Bhaskar Award by the Brotherhood of Magicians of India and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Dr. Agarwala also played a significant role in community and cultural life. He served as President of the Rotary Club of Guwahati South and was actively involved with the Medical Practitioners Association, the All Assam Navin Lekhak-Lekhika Samaroh, and the Assam Sahitya Sabha. In recognition of his cultural contributions, he was felicitated by the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri L.N. Mishra, during the Bishnu Rava Divas in June 1994.
In the medical community, he held the position of Vice-President of the North Eastern Branch of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India.
Dr. N.K. Agarwala’s life reflected a rare blend of clinical excellence, artistic flair, and social engagement. He remains fondly remembered as a healer, performer, and visionary who served his people with heart and humanity.
