Revision of the past to envision the future: Dr Sanjeeb Kakoty

Kashmira Gogoi

In 1890, Sir John Berry White established a medical school that later became a medical college on 3rd November 1947. The achievements and participation are tremendous in the event.

Past to present

Dr Sanjib Kakoty, the Principal of Assam Medical College, shared his emotions, strengths and vulnerabilities of his team as a member of the larger family. He spoke about the transition phase of the aura of the medical college since 1970. He described that the bus conductor never asked for the fare but they gave it. Such was the impression of the impeccable persona of the then-medical students. The black tie, white shirt and shoes were the marks of the epitome of medical students in the mid-1970. He also mentioned that the medical college was an erstwhile military hospital in the Second World War to treat injured soldiers.

During the partition, many professors came from Lahore Medical College and Bengal to teach at Assam Medical College. Consequentially, there was a mixed bag of global culture around the campus. He also detailed in the interview that the last student was from Jordan and Zimbabwe.

Thus, in due course of time, the reformation and renewal of the time began. The lost culture of celebration under the same roof was again initiated last year. Thus the enthusiasm for Platinum Jubilee has earmarked history.

Various competitions are organized from literary fest to quiz competitions. Recollecting memories, Dr Kakoty named Dr Hadi Alam Bora, a well-known artist in 1970 who was also an ex-student of Assam Medical College.

The registration of the Alumni for the event has reached 2000, and more are expected.

Dr Sanjib Kakoty spoke about the celebration of Sankerdev Tithi as a cultural day of various events and competitions. A drama based on 'Gandhari-Krishna Darshan Raslela was held on September 29, 2022, on the auspicious day of Sankardev Tithi. On the final day of the event, there will be an inauguration of a commemorative stamp and people of importance, and guests of repute will be present.

Vision

Adding 'permanency' as a value Dr Kakoty spoke about the contribution of the alumni to the infrastructural development. The water fountain park at the entry gate was donated by the 1970 batch of medical students. The batch from 1971 has planned to build up greenery near the canteen. An open stage spectator gallery, gymnasium hall, open gym, clock tower, amphitheatre, OPD infrastructure renovation, smart classroom system and many others are planned for the infrastructural development.

He also mentioned that such an act is a reciprocation of a mother's love. The capacity of the classrooms of the education department has increased to 200 since 1947 till date. The expansion is from undergraduate, and post-graduate to super speciality since 1960.

Dr Kakoty mentioned the scarcity of paying cabins, nurses, junior doctors and manpower. Despite such adversities, Assam Medical College is a successful institute in its research work. There is the publication of an international medical journal named 'Internal Medical Journal' under the supervision of the Association of Physicians of India (API). On the last note of his declaration, Dr Kakoty said that the Government of Assam has recently approved the X-ray lab in the casualty. It will as a result decrease the burden of a rush to the distant laboratory. Thus, concluding the interview he said lastly that the larger goal remains to 'revision the past to envision the future.