A Tribute to Dr. A. K. Roychowdhury: Honouring a Legacy of Compassion, Excellence and Ethical Healthcare
News Mania Desk/31 July 2026
A Call to Preserve the Human Touch in the Age of Technology
Kolkata: Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation organized a special memorial programme in honour of the eminent physician, teacher, humanitarian, and an enduring source of inspiration, Dr. A. K. Roychowdhury. The central theme of the event was “Tomarei Koriyechhi Jiboner Dhrubatara” (“You Are the Guiding Star of My Life”). The programme celebrated Dr. Roychowdhury’s remarkable legacy of medical ethics, humanitarian values, and unwavering compassion for humanity, transforming the occasion into a heartfelt confluence of remembrance, respect, and inspiration.
During the programme, the Dr. A. K. Roychowdhury Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon distinguished geriatrician Dr. Chinmoy Kumar Maity, the second Bengali physician to serve as the National President of the Geriatric Society of India. After obtaining the prestigious MRCP and FRCP qualifications in the United Kingdom, Dr. Maity served there for many years before returning to India to dedicate himself to the healthcare of countless people across West Bengal. His lifelong commitment to advancing geriatric medicine, improving healthcare for older adults, and strengthening this specialized discipline has been exemplary. The award recognized his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the development of geriatric medicine.
The Dr. A. K. Roychowdhury Outstanding Young Geriatrician Award was presented to Dr. Arijit Das in recognition of his exceptional commitment to the care of older adults. His dedicated service and significant role in inspiring younger physicians to pursue geriatric medicine have earned widespread appreciation.
One of the highlights of the programme was the Memorial Oration titled “Medical Ethics in the Era of Technology: Preserving the Human Touch in Healthcare,” delivered by Mr. Debashis Sen, Retired IAS Officer and Former Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal. In his thought-provoking address, he emphasized that while technological advancements have transformed healthcare and significantly improved medical practice, compassion, ethical responsibility, empathy, and the human touch remain irreplaceable elements of quality patient care.
A specially produced documentary showcased significant milestones from the life and work of Dr. Roychowdhury, paying tribute to his extraordinary contributions to medicine and society. This was followed by a moving musical presentation, “Tomarei Koriyechhi Jiboner Dhrubatara,” based on eight thematically connected Rabindra Sangeet compositions, performed by eminent singer, physician, and Assistant Professor of Santiniketan Medical College, Dr. Utsab Das. The narrative for the musical presentation was delivered by distinguished geriatrician and Founder-Director of Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation, Dr. Dhires Kumar Chowdhury.
The programme was presided over by eminent educationist and former Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Prof. Pabitra Sarkar. Distinguished guests included renowned gynaecologist and Dr. Roychowdhury’s wife Dr. Shipra Roychowdhury, eminent physician Dr. Sudipta Kumar Sen, renowned geriatrician Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, distinguished gynaecologist Dr. Rama Guha, and eminent academic consultant Mrs. Ina Bose.
The event was attended by numerous former patients and admirers of Dr. Roychowdhury, fellow physicians, senior members of Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation, and members of Pranam Kolkata Police. Their presence added warmth, dignity, and emotional significance to the occasion.
One of the most touching moments of the programme was a dance performance by children from Vikashita School, an educational initiative of Banchbo in the Sundarbans. The children dedicated their performance to their beloved “Dadu” (Grandfather), Dr. Roychowdhury, expressing their love and gratitude through dance.
Dr. Roychowdhury shared a profound and enduring bond with the people of the Sundarbans. Beyond his affection for the children of Vikashita School, he was regarded as a trusted guardian by countless people living in remote villages. On numerous occasions, despite his distinguished international career and prestigious qualifications, he voluntarily travelled to the region to conduct free medical camps and provide healthcare services to underserved communities. For the people of the Sundarbans, he was not merely a physician but a compassionate friend, mentor, and symbol of hope whose memory continues to live in their hearts.
A defining characteristic of Dr. Roychowdhury’s philosophy of medicine was his belief that every patient should be treated as a complete human being rather than merely a disease or diagnosis. Alongside scientific excellence, he regarded empathy, dignity, kindness, and respect as essential pillars of healthcare. His life and work continue to inspire physicians, healthcare professionals, and future generations.
The memorial programme was therefore far more than a commemorative event. It became a celebration of Dr. A. K. Roychowdhury’s enduring ideals, his commitment to ethical medicine, his profound humanity, and his lifelong dedication to serving people with compassion. At the same time, it delivered a powerful message advocating the advancement of geriatric medicine, greater societal responsibility toward older adults, and the preservation of humanity and ethical values in healthcare in an increasingly technology-driven world.
