Dr. Sandip Chatterjee

I never knew that this day would come and I would be writing in memory of ‘Sandip Da’ [Dada stands for big bro in Bengali] as I called him fondly. Sandip Da was Sandip Chatterjee. How I would have loved to have written ‘is’ instead of ‘was’.

Dr. Sandip Chatterjee was an astute neurosurgeon, an eloquent speaker, a debater, an animal lover and a gentleman par excellence.

He belonged to an elite family in Kolkata. Born and brought up in Kolkata, finished his schooling and basic medical degree and moved to the United Kingdom for higher studies. He completed his FRCS from Edinburgh and FRCS [Neurosurgery] there and also did DNB in India. After practising for a short while in Britain, he returned to his hometown Kolkata.

He had a medical practising license both in UK and India.

He practised in Park Clinic in Kolkata and was also professor at the Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata. As a neurosurgeon he carved a niche for himself in the field of Pediatric neurosurgery and was appointed Treasurer of the International Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery after finishing a successful tenure as Education Committee Chairman. He was also past president of the Indian Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery and President and executive member of many other societies in India. Sandip Da’s favourite child was pediatric neurosurgery, however he was also very active in neurooncology, intraoperative neuromonitoring and pediatric spine.

He contributed significantly to neurosurgery journals and his papers reflected the Indian picture of pediatric neurosurgery. He was Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Neuroscientists of Eastern India (JANEI), Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences, Editor of International Journal of Hydrocephalus and Neuro-endoscopy, Associate editor, British Journal of Neurosurgery and Associate Editor, Child Nervous System. He has more than 150 papers published, 30 chapters and edited many text books. He was visiting professor in many universities nationally and internationally.

That’s the neurosurgeon Sandip Da I tried to put in front of you so far.

He had many other facets. A very eloquent speaker who could mesmerize the audience for hours with his proficiency in English vocabulary. [‘Much better then many brits’ as told by his British friend.] He enjoyed debating and was always part of the famous “Kolkata Telegraph Debate” and founder of Kolkata debating society.

An avid photographer, who had a huge collection of Bengal tigers and rhinos in his kitty. I remember some breathtaking photos of the mighty Himalayas which he showed me once. He was a honorary member of World life Warden.

A wonderful friend for many across the world, he was smiling, caring, friendly and full of warmth and humour. Everyone loved his company.

As I mentioned he belongs to an elite family. He is survived by his father, currently 97 year old, a renowned pediatric surgeon, his wife, a renowned professor of pathology, heading the department in a teaching hospital, son, a wannabe dermatologist and a daughter in law who is a wannabe psychiatrist. All of us who know him have many anecdotal stories to write and share, which we will share at a later date.

I rest my pen today with a wish that he continues to smile from the peaceful place where he is resting. With fond memories of yours deep in my heart and brain I bid you goodbye.

‘Rest in peace Sandip Da’

Suchanda Bhattacharjee

Professor of Neurosurgery

NIMS, Hyderabad