Reflections on Medicine and Life by Dr. S.P. Kalantri
Insights into medical ethics, human rights, and the art of teaching in a rural medical college.
We walk past her statue, work in her hospital, and invoke her name often. But how many of us know who Kasturba really was before she became Gandhi’s Ba? Ask anyone in Sevagram today, and chances are—not one person might recall who she is. Or who she was. Until you pause and whisper her name. … Read more
I must admit that I, too, was—and still am—a medical teacher who guided—or is misguided the more appropriate word?—over three dozen postgraduates in writing their MD theses. I do not wish to stand on a pedestal or adopt a “holier than thou” posture. I have erred, misjudged, behaved badly, mishandled situations, and at times, been … Read more
“So, what’s up?” I asked the young postgraduate from a neighbouring medical college. He had just run into me on the road. “I’ve finished my thesis, sir,” he said, sounding both relieved and battle-weary. “Now preparing for the MD exams—just two months to go.” “That’s done?” I raised my eyebrows. “Already?” “Yes, sir,” he nodded. … Read more
Dr. B.S. Chaubey. A name that evoked both awe and trepidation. He was fire and ice—blazing with intensity, chilling with his stare, his mind a scalpel that could slice through the most complex diagnoses in a few minutes. For twenty-five years, he reigned over the Department of Medicine at GMC Nagpur, shaping generations of physicians. … Read more
Nostalgia has a way of sneaking up on you. You try to avoid comparing the “good old days” to the present, but somehow, you end up doing it anyway. The younger generation hates it. They roll their eyes when we compare the 60s and 70s to today. But as you age, those comparisons just happen—whether … Read more