(2 April 1947-3 December 2023)

I begin this obituary with deep respect for Dr. Narendra Samal (formerly known as Naziruddin Khan until 1985), a remarkable pathologist who exemplified the principles of gender equity as a true role model.

Dr. Samal’s dedication to gender equity was evident in the decisions he made to support the professional growth of his wife, Swarnalata Samal. In an era when such choices were unconventional, he transcended societal norms.

In the eighties, Dr. Samal opted for a conversion from Muslim to Hindu. A decision, unthinkable in the 1980s.

During their tenure at MGIMS, both lacked an MD degree, and financial constraints prevented them from pursuing a three-year MD degree elsewhere. Dr. Samal, adhering the principle of “Ladies First,” prioritized his wife’s education, allowing her to complete her post graduation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology before pursuing his own MD in Pathology.

In the nineties, when Mrs. Samal faced career obstacles at MGIMS, Dr. Samal made a courageous decision. Without hesitation, he resigned from his esteemed position as a professor and head of Pathology, choosing the opportunity for both of them in a newly established medical college in Wardha.

This move was fuelled by his commitment to his wife’s potential leadership role as the head of the department in the new institution.

Such selfless sacrifices for a spouse’s professional aspirations were uncommon in the eighties and nineties, yet Dr. Samal, through his actions, set an extraordinary personal example.

Early days
Born on April 2, 1947, as Naziruddin Khan to Muniruddin Khan, his journey began in humble circumstances. He completed his higher secondary exam in 1963 from Orissa, hailing from the village of Charinangala, located 50 km east of Cuttack, in the Badchana tehsil. It was a mere four months before India achieved its independence that he came into the world.

Tragedy struck early in Dr. Khan’s life as he lost his parents during his childhood, leaving him to face the challenges of abject poverty while pursuing his education. Despite the adversity, he remained resilient, never losing hope or succumbing to despair. With determination, he pressed forward, surmounting every obstacle that crossed his path.

He did his Pre-University and Pre-Professional studies at Bhadrak College, Utkal University, in 1964 and 1965, respectively. Driven by his passion for medicine, he subsequently enrolled at Sriram Chandra Bhanj Medical College in Cuttack, Orissa. There, he devoted himself to his studies and emerged with an MBBS degree in June 1970, marking a major milestone in his path to becoming a medical professional.

Dr. Khan’s early years laid the foundation for his resilience and perseverance. Despite the hardships he endured, he forged ahead, illustrating his indomitable spirit and commitment to his education and future.

Sevagram
Mr. Bihari Lal, a selfless Gandhian dedicated to the Banwari Seva Ashram in Govindpur, Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, had a long-standing connection with Dr. Sushila Nayar, dating back to their days in the freedom struggle. Seeking a suitable opportunity for Naziruddin Khan, an ambitious and hardworking young man who had lost his parents at an early age but possessed a strong desire to advance his career, Mr. Bihari Lal reached out to Dr. Sushila Nayar in a heartfelt letter. True to her compassionate nature, Dr. Sushila Nayar swiftly responded, extending a warm invitation for Naseeruddin Khan to join her institute and encouraging him to explore various possibilities. As destiny would have it, in the summer of 1972, Naziruddin Khan arrived, and the only available position at that time was that of a house officer in Medicine, which he eagerly accepted.

The subsequent events have become an indelible part of history.

In May 1972, Dr. Khan started his medical career as a house officer in Medicine at MGIMS. Just a few months later, in August 1972, he was appointed as a lecturer in Pathology. In 1973, he married Swarnlata, a momentous event in their lives. At that time, neither of them possessed a postgraduate degree, and they made the bold decision to relocate 1000 km west to Sevagram. It was a transformative move, exposing them to a new land, language, and culture that differed greatly from their previous surroundings.

Driven by his dedication as a husband, Dr. Khan prioritized his wife’s educational journey, recognizing the financial constraints that prevented them from pursuing post graduation simultaneously. Swarnalata embarked on her own path and successfully obtained her DGO degree from Nagpur University, securing the highest marks. Her next goal was to complete her MD course at Government Medical College, Nagpur, scheduled for November 1976.

Dr. Khan eagerly awaited the completion of his wife’s post graduation to pursue his own studies in Pathology. He initially sought sponsorship from MGIMS for an MD program at PGIMER Chandigarh and also tried his luck at AIIMS Delhi. However, fate had other plans. In April 1977, he commenced his MD in Pathology at Sarojini Naidu Medical College in Agra. Under the guidance of Dr. B Lahiri, he conducted research on the epidemiology and histology of gastrointestinal tumours for his MD thesis. After completing his MD in May 1979, he returned to Sevagram, ready to begin the next phase of his career.

Dr. Khan’s dedication and expertise led to significant advancements in his professional journey. He steadily progressed within MGIMS, achieving the position of Associate Professor in March 1984 and eventually rose to become a Professor in November 1985. Earlier, in January 1981, as a reader in Pathology, he took over the baton from Dr. Madan Mohan Arora.

Teacher

Dr. Samal wore short temper on his sleeve. “He used to strike terror in the hearts of students. Flying chalks and even dusters were routine in his class,” recalls Monika Ahuja (1982 batch). “Despite the occasional turbulence, we were blessed to have been taught, scolded, and rebuked by this teacher in his inimitable style,” reflects Abhay Kelkar (1987 batch). Yet, amidst these storms, Dr. Samal’s passion for the subject, his strong sense of discipline, and his strong desire that all students must know Pathology by heart were unmistakable.

Among MGIMS students from 1975 to 1992, Dr. Khan was bestowed with the nickname “Khan Chacha” by his students.

Dr. Khan served as a mentor and guide to 17 postgraduates in the department, guiding them in the completion of their MD theses. Those who benefited from his mentorship include VC Gupta, (Late) M Jawlekar, Aruna Mutha, Kiran Swarup, Sushma Saraf, Milind Jagtap, Nitin Gangane, Girish Muzumdar, Girdhar Das, M Agrawal, Gajendra Singh Yadav, Subir Mitra, RB Mulay, Dinesh Mazi, Fatima Wali, Indrapali Gujral, and Renuka Kulkarni. Dr. Khan’s commitment to nurturing the academic growth of his mentees is evident in the diverse range of pathologists who pursued their MD theses under his insightful guidance. Dr Nitin Gangane went on to become the Dean of the MGIMS and later vice chancellor of K.L.E. Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi.

Dr. Khan’s journey exemplifies his firm dedication to both his own education and the mentorship of others. Through his tenacity, he overcame challenges, pursued his dreams, and made a profound impact on the medical field, leaving an indelible mark on the students he guided along the way.

The rector who would keep students straight
In September 1988, Dr. Khan willingly took on the role of warden alongside Dr. AP Jain for the boys’ hostel. The administration entrusted him with the task of instilling discipline among the residents, maintaining cleanliness, and enhancing the overall environment of the hostels. Dr. Khan and Dr. Jain designed innovative approaches to fulfil these objectives, leaving a lasting impact.

Dr. Sushila Nayar, impressed by their efforts, expressed her admiration and satisfaction in a heartfelt letter addressed to Dr. Khan. She expressed great pleasure in observing how diligently he fulfilled his duties as warden of JN Boys Hostel during 1987 and 1988. Dr. Nayar commended Dr. Khan for justifying the trust she had placed in him, highlighting his qualities of responsibility, conscientiousness, and reliability.

Dr. Khan’s commitment to his role as warden, along with Dr. Jain, not only impressed Dr. Nayar but also contributed to the positive transformation of the boys’ hostel. His dedication and innovative approach in maintaining discipline and cleanliness created a nurturing and conducive environment for the residents.

Dr. Khan’s service as a warden reflected his dedication to his responsibilities and his ability to make a meaningful impact in fostering discipline and overall well-being within the hostels.

In the mid-eighties, Dr. Khan played a pivotal role in editing the MGIMS Annual reports. In this undertaking, he worked with Dr. S John Premendran (Pharmacology), Shankar Bhat (Physiology), Pradeep Joel (Surgery), J Anbalagan (Anatomy), Ashok Mehendale (Community Medicine), NC Prajapati (Paediatrics), Deepak Kumar Mendiratta (Microbiology) and Mr CD Gokulachandran. Among his departmental colleagues at MGIMS during that period were Drs. Satish Sharma, and Narayan Ingole.

From Sevagram to Sawangi
InJanuary 1996, after spending two decades at MGIMS, Dr. Khan made the difficult decision to resign from his position and join JN Medical College in Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha. His choice was influenced by his wife, Swarnlata Samal, who had been offered the prestigious position of head of the department at the newly established private medical college in Wardha, where they would have the opportunity to contribute to its growth and development.

Dr. Sushila Nayar learned about Dr. Khan’s decision to leave, and she shared her disappointment with a heartfelt note. Expressing her sadness at his departure, she mentioned the additional professorship she had created for Dr. Khan’s wife, Swarnlata, to ensure her promotion wouldn’t face obstacles. Dr. Sushila Nayar wished that Dr. Khan had discussed his decision with her beforehand. While acknowledging Swarnalata’s new role, she emphasized Dr. Khan’s position within the department and felt his departure deeply.

Even though Dr. Sushila Nayar wanted him to stay, she respected his personal choice and wished him well in his new journey. Her personal note reflected the strong bond and mutual respect between the director of the institute and the faculty. It also underscored the impact Dr. Khan had made during his tenure at MGIMS under her guidance.

The Depths of Love: Dr. Khan’s Unbreakable Bond with Swarnalata
Dr. Khan’s life was a testament to his enduring love and sacrifice for his wife, Swarnalata. They were married in 1973, and despite differences in religion and clinical profiles, their bond was a true celebration of partnership. Swarnalata, born on April 3, 1945, embarked on her medical journey, earning her MBBS from Utkal University in 1970, followed by DGO and MD from Nagpur University in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Driven by her career aspirations, Dr. Khan selflessly supported her, prioritizing her education over his own.

In a remarkable display of devotion, Dr. Khan encouraged Swarnalata to complete her post-graduation before pursuing his own academic pursuits. Her exceptional academic journey in Obstetrics and Gynaecology led her to achieve outstanding results in Nagpur University, culminating in an MD from Government Medical College in November 1976. Dr. Khan found joy in witnessing her success, despite their differing clinical specializations – he in pathology and she in a clinical field.

The depth of their love was further evident when Dr. Khan willingly relocated to a newly established medical college. His decision was guided by the knowledge that this move would open doors for Swarnalata to become the head of the department. Their union, built on mutual support and respect, transcended religious boundaries. Despite being a Muslim, Dr. Khan, and his Hindu wife, Dr. Swarnlata Samal, celebrated Saraswati Pooja together, worshipping Goddess Saraswati. Their home became a haven for medical students, welcomed with sweets and affection, a tradition fondly remembered by Dr. VK Gupta, an 1976 batch MGIMS alumnus.

In the early 1990s, the couple faced a challenging period when Mrs. Samal encountered a scooter accident, resulting in a brain injury. During this time, Dr. Khan’s dedication to her well-being shone through. Despite the lack of advanced medical facilities at MGIMS hospital, they navigated the situation with resilience. The absence of a CT scanner and neurologist prompted the transfer of Mrs. Samal to a Neurosurgery center in Nagpur, where Dr. Khan continued to play a crucial role in her care.

The couple’s journey was marked by Mrs. Samal’s months-long battle with illness, during which Dr. Khan’s devotion to her recovery extended beyond medical care. His reassurance and comfort became integral to her gradual and remarkable recovery. Dr. Khan’s actions were a poignant expression of their enduring love, a love that transcended professional differences and religious boundaries, creating a legacy of compassion and commitment.

Naziruddin Khan becomes Narendra Samal

A Muslim accepting the Hindu religion and converting himself to a Hindu because his wife is Hindu? This was almost unheard of in the 1980s when Dr. Nazruddin Khan decided to do so. However, it was Dr. Khan’s decision to convert to the Hindu religion and change his name that truly demonstrated the depth of their bond and the strength of their relationship. In February 1985, he officially embraced his new identity, adopting the name Narendra Samal, which was duly recognized and documented in the Maharashtra Gazette. This act of transformation was almost unheard of during that era, and it symbolized the profound love and connection they shared.

Dr. Samal’s love and sacrifice for his wife were evident in every aspect of their lives together. From supporting her educational pursuits to embracing a new identity to strengthen their bond, his commitment to their relationship served as a testament to their enduring love and devotion. Their story stands as an inspiration, reminding us of the incredible power of love and the sacrifices we are willing to make for those we hold dear.

During his Sevagram days, Dr. Khan was easily recognizable by his choice of attire—a combination of white Khadi trousers and an off-white silk shirt, reflecting a unique and memorable sartorial taste. His penchant for betel nut and paan was well-known, and his paan-chewing habits had become legendary among those who knew him.

Even within the confines of classrooms, he would teach with a paan nestled in his mouth; his paan-stained teeth, and a kaleidoscope of emotions playing across his face during conversations. Whether expressing anger at a challenging concept, amusement at a student’s witty remark, irritation with disruptions, happiness when a point was well understood, or indignant reactions to injustice, his distinctive Orissa background was evident in the way he spoke English, adding a unique touch to his communication style.

*****

A Stroke of Destiny

In November 2017, having retired as a professor of Pathology and concluding his role in charge of the Medical Education Unit, Dr. Khan devoted himself to developing the clinical labs at JN Medical College, Sawangi, Wardha. However, fate had other plans. He faced a setback—a severe stroke that necessitated urgent admission to an intensive care unit in Nagpur, where he relied on mechanical ventilation for three challenging weeks.

Alas, the stroke left him severely disabled, casting a shadow over the next six years of Dr. Khan’s life. He required help for all activities of daily living. Confined within the quiet walls of his home, he led the last phase of his life as a stroke victim, a captive to his bed, the echoes of vitality slowly replaced by the hushed whispers of resilience.

In this challenging period, Mrs. Samal stood behind him, becoming the primary caregiver for her paralyzed husband and attending to his emotional needs. Despite facing the natural effects of aging and frailty herself, she continued to care for her ailing husband with remarkable resilience, never once expressing a “Why me” complaint. Her dedication and selflessness in providing care for Dr. Samal exemplify the strength of their bond and the depth of her commitment to their enduring partnership.

On the morning of December 3, 2023, Dr. Khan passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and loved ones. The burden of suffering that he carried for six long years was finally lifted. His passing marked the end of a journey, bringing relief and tranquillity to a spirit that had navigated trials with a mix of valour and moments of hopelessness.

May his contributions to the field of pathology and his unique personality be remembered and cherished. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.