Professor Rajendra Nath Dutta – fondly remembered by his students as Dutta Sir – was a revered yet publicity-shy stalwart of the ENT fraternity in Northeast India. Known for his discipline, kindness, cheerful nature, and elegant demeanor, he embodied the ideal of a dedicated teacher and a compassionate doctor. A man of many virtues, he was admired for his in-depth knowledge, calm composure during surgeries, and artistic expertise even under challenging circumstances.
Despite working with limited resources and a lack of modern instruments during his time, Dr. Dutta skillfully performed complex procedures such as total laryngectomy with radical neck dissection, mastoidectomy, and thyroidectomy, in addition to routine operations like tonsillectomy and septoplasty. His students and colleagues were fortunate to witness surgical artistry at its finest. His poised oratory, always delivered with a smile and in his distinctive style, made his teaching unforgettable.
Born on October 2, 1931, in Titabor, Jorhat district, Dr. Dutta was the son of the esteemed teacher and sportsman, Late Ratneswar Dutta. A brilliant student from the beginning, he earned a merit scholarship and completed his matriculation from Shillong Government High School in 1949, followed by I.Sc. from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. He then pursued his MBBS degree at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, graduating in 1957.
After completing his PRCA and a year of housemanship in ENT, Dr. Dutta secured admission to King George’s Medical College, Lucknow for an M.S. degree. However, he chose to stay back when the then Principal, Prof. S.N. Sharma, created the position of Resident Surgeon in ENT especially for him. Under the mentorship of Prof. Sharma – North-East India’s first FRCS (1947) – Dr. Dutta blossomed as a skilled surgeon.
He went on to obtain both DLO and M.S. in ENT from Gauhati University in 1964, becoming the first M.S. (ENT) graduate of the university. Later, he was awarded a prestigious Colombo Plan scholarship, following a national-level interview in New Delhi. Under this scholarship, he trained in microsurgery of the ear and cancer surgery in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. He also served in Kenya for a time as a Rotary International Fellow.
Dr. Dutta began his academic career as Assistant Professor of ENT and was later promoted to Associate Professor at Gauhati Medical College. Eventually, he was appointed Professor and Head of the ENT Department at Silchar Medical College, from where he opted for voluntary retirement. Afterward, he returned to Guwahati and continued to serve patients through private practice.
Apart from contributing numerous scientific articles to reputed journals, Dr. Dutta was also an accomplished writer for children, sharing knowledge on a range of topics with clarity and warmth.
His talents extended beyond medicine. Dr. Dutta was a culturally enriched individual who had a deep love for Assamese traditions. He was well-versed in Kathak dance, and actively participated in Bhaona performances at Assam Medical College. He impressed audiences with his renditions of Sattriya Nritya and Sutradhari Nritya, and had a keen interest in music, dance, and Assamese songs.
Dr. Dutta played a pioneering role in the development of the ENT community in the region. He was the Founder Secretary of the North Eastern Branch of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (NEBAOI) and Founder President of the AOI Guwahati Chapter.
In 1994, ENT surgeons from Jorhat came together to form JAES (Jorhat Academy of ENT Surgeons) and launched the Jorhat Academy Oration during NEBAOICON in 1995. Dr. Dutta graciously delivered the first oration. Later, he donated ₹20,000 to establish the ‘Ratneswar Dutta Memorial Oration’ in memory of his late father. His generosity continued with a donation of ₹70,000 to the Doctors’ Club, Jorhat, reflecting his deep affection for his hometown and its medical community.
Professor R.N. Dutta was a rare and inspiring blend of surgical excellence, pedagogical brilliance, cultural passion, and community service. He passed away on July 1, 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of doctors and students.
