𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿. 𝗢𝗣 𝗚𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗮’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲

Dr. OP Gupta, a true “Ajatshatru” in the world of medicine, has retired today after an awe-inspiring five-decade journey.

Today, as the clock struck noon, he entered my room, ready to bid farewell. My heart overflowed with emotions, pride for having risen to become his colleague in the department and sadness at saying goodbye to a remarkable mentor and friend. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I found myself at a loss for words to adequately convey my gratitude and admiration for this extraordinary man.

As I walked with him to his car, and he gracefully stepped inside—his heart filled with emotions—I couldn’t help but keep my gaze fixed on the car as it slowly pulled away. I was reminded of our childhood days when we would watch departing trains with a mix of anticipation and sorrow, knowing that our loved ones were moving away but cherishing the memories we shared.

I stood there—my heart filled with a profound sense of gratitude for having spent four decades in Sevagram with such an extraordinary person.

He joined MGIMS in 1971 as a young lecturer at the age of just 29, and quickly earned immense respect within the department. Alongside two other physicians, he fearlessly took on the challenging responsibilities of clinical work, teaching, visits to the Civil hospital, Wardha, and administration.

In the summer of 1982, I first stepped into the wards of the Medicine department. Fresh with an MD degree and eager to make a mark, I was a senior resident at the time, and he, the head of the unit and the department. Little did I know then that we shall be rounding the wards together in Unit 1 Medicine for nearly a decade.

I distinctly remember his weekly trips to nearby places, diligently serving patients in Alipur and conducting diagnostic camps in Deoli, Pulgaon, and Kagaz Nagar. He was not just an exceptional clinician but a visionary teacher, always striving to create a nurturing environment for all of us under his guidance.

I consider myself fortunate to have been one of the junior members in the department he mentored. He nurtured an environment that encouraged us to explore our passions and strive for excellence. His enthusiasm at the patient’s bedside was contagious, and his hunger for reading journals was unmatched.

His dedication to his patients and students was awe-inspiring. In 1983, he became the formal Head of the department, and later, in 1994, he became the Dean of MGIMS. His leadership was unparalleled, and he effortlessly carried the weight of his responsibilities, balancing administration with clinical care.

As a teacher, Dr. Gupta held a profound influence on his students. From the very first batch to the last, he dedicated his heart and soul to shaping the minds of every student, both in the classrooms and at the bedside. A quick calculation reveals that over five decades, he has taught nearly 3800 medical students. This is indeed a big number- and it is likely that his students can now be found on every continent, carrying forward the knowledge and inspiration he imparted to them.

Even after stepping down from leadership roles, Dr. Gupta’s thirst for knowledge and his commitment to his profession never waned. His social media presence—his Facebook posts were so readable— was a delightful surprise, where he continued to inspire, educate and support his students, even from afar.

Dr. Gupta was always the first one to arrive at the postgraduate sessions in the Medicine department, usually accompanied by Dr. AP Jain. He defied his age, walking briskly and standing tall. As he listened to the presentations, his sharp mind and vast experience enabled him to make quick remarks whenever he detected an error.

In 2012, the Medicine department moved into a new building, and I found myself sharing a close proximity with Dr. OP Gupta, becoming office neighbours. We were allotted 100 square feet chambers each, separated only by a wooden partition. Dr. Gupta’s chamber was modestly furnished with a wooden desk, computer, printer, and a book rack. Every time I passed by his room, I couldn’t help but notice him hunched over his chair, deeply engrossed in his computer screen, always eager to learn something new from the vast resources of the internet.

A decade ago, even though Dr. Gupta had stepped down from leading the unit after reaching the age of 70, he still found joy in working alongside much younger colleagues, many half his age. He remained humble and unassuming, diligently making rounds in the hospital wards, never once giving off the impression of his prestigious past where he had led the department, the hospital, and the institute.

Despite his numerous accolades, he remained humble, always putting the needs of his patients and students above all else.

Dr. Gupta’s love for literature and poetry added yet another layer of depth to his personality. He edited the journal of MGIMS for nearly two decades- his poems gracing the pages of the journal, showcasing his artistic flair.

The department shall keenly feel the void left by Dr. Gupta’s absence. However, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of medical professionals in India.

Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for your love, your kindness, and your passion for medicine. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your influence will live on in each one of us whom you’ve touched with your warmth and compassion.