Dr. Bhubaneswar Das was born on October 16, 1931, in Gunari village. His father, the late Kashinath Das, was a businessman and social worker, and also served as the first Secretary of Bajali College. His mother, Jayanti Das, was a devout and pious woman. From an early age, Dr. Das displayed exceptional intelligence and was known for his impeccable handwriting.
He pursued his early education at Cotton College, completing the I.S.C., and went on to earn his M.B.B.S. degree from Assam Medical College in 1958. In 1961, he traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he obtained the prestigious FRCS fellowship. He was greatly influenced by the world-renowned physician Dr. A.B. Smith. Although he was offered a job in the UK, his deep love for his homeland compelled him to return to India. He joined the ENT Department at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) as an Assistant Professor. After 28 years of distinguished service, he opted for Voluntary Retirement (VRS) in 1992.
In 1965, Dr. Das married Mrs. Mridula Das, a celebrated Chemistry professor at Cotton College and an accomplished singer. The couple had four daughters – Lisa, Lopa, Loly, and Lima – all of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in their respective fields.
Dr. Das was known for his humility and dedication to his profession. Avoiding publicity, he committed himself fully to his work and was recognized as an efficient administrator and a sincere mentor. He was passionate about teaching the fundamentals of ENT with clarity and diplomacy, earning him immense respect among students and colleagues. He served for many years as the Secretary of the Medical College Council and rendered voluntary services at Dr. B. Barooah Cancer Institute. Apart from his professional commitments, he had a keen interest in sports, especially badminton and football.
A man of simplicity and integrity, Dr. Das had a frank demeanor and a soft heart. He had a deep appreciation for culture and music and supported his wife in her artistic pursuits. He never sought fame or accolades but remained a silent contributor to his field. His life was guided by duty and humility, and he remained grounded throughout. He passed away on April 14, 2009.
Notable Achievements of the ENT Department During the Tenure of Late Prof. B. Das at GMCH:
- Recognition of postgraduate courses by the Medical Council of India in 1971.
- Recognition of MBBS qualification by the General Medical Council of the UK in 1968.
- Acquisition of two operating microscopes in 1967 and 1971.
- Establishment of a clinical audiometer facility in 1967.
- Procurement of the Cinex Burdick ultrasound machine in 1970.
- Introduction of fiber optic light source and endoscope facility in 1976.
- Creation of posts for audiologist and speech therapist. Significant contributions were made by Sri H.K. Sarma, Mrs. Dolly Dutta Baruah Senapati, and Mr. A.K. Biswas. Later, the audiologist post was upgraded to Lecturer in Audiology, and Mr. S.R. Deka was appointed as Speech Therapist.
- In 1968, the medical college at Narakasur Hilltop began functioning, housing lecture halls and the departmental museum.
- The number of postgraduate seats was doubled in 1987.
- Establishment of the Temporal Bone Laboratory in 1970.
- Addition of qualified doctors, including Dr. Thaneswar Baruah, who returned from the UK after completing FRCS from Edinburgh and DLO from London, and joined as Assistant Professor.
- As a member of the construction committee, Dr. Das facilitated the shifting of the ENT Department from the Panbazar Hospital Complex to the permanent hospital complex at Bhangagarh in 1985.
- Expansion of the department to include two Professors in 1986, following MCI recommendations.
- Proposal and procurement of modern equipment to upgrade departmental infrastructure.
Dr. Bhubaneswar Das also maintained close ties with cultural and literary circles and served as the in-charge of the Student Union for several years. His life and work remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew him.
