Odisha: 84-year-old gynecologist gives Rs 30 lakh to alma mater as gurudakshina

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2021-07-13T09:15:00+05:30 | Updated On 13 July 2021 9:15 AM IST

Odisha: 84-year-old gynecologist gives Rs 30 lakh to alma mater as gurudakshina

Sambalpur: A renowned gynecologist and obstetrician of Sambalpur, Dr Narayani Panda donated a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the Gangadhar Meher University (earlier college) from her savings to her alma mater as gurudakshina (payback to teachers).

The doctor handed over the cheque to the institution's Vice-Chancellor on the 77th Foundation Day celebration of the institution.

Over six decades ago, the doctor was supported by the institution that provided her scholarship to continue her MBBS studies amid financial difficulties.

Though retired now, the 84-year-old doctor extended her services during the Covid-19 pandemic last year and also visited patients who were in need of treatment in her district.

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In 1957 she secured a seat in SCB Medical College in Cuttack city. However, her veterinarian father did not have financial resources to support the doctor's MBBS education along with other 10 siblings.

The doctor had learnt that the GM College Trust was giving scholarships to needy students and she applied for it. The GM College Trust was set up in 1944 with the help of some philanthropists and intellectuals of Sambalpur who wanted to provide financial aid to needy and meritorious students for their further education. Finally, the trust provided her a monthly scholarship of Rs 25 which enabled her to pursue medical education which was her dream.

Speaking about the same, Dr Panda told Hindustan Times, "I was determined to study. When I got to know that the GM College Trust was giving monthly assistance of Rs 25, I applied and got it. Besides, I got a monthly scholarship of Rs 35 for being among the top 3 in the class. The Rs 60 that I got was more than enough to fund my medical studies for the first 2 years till my father started paying for my expenses."

After completing her MBBS, Dr Panda started working at the district headquarters hospital in Sambalpur in 1963 but eventually, she was transferred to Kalahandi district. She then joined the municipality hospital in Sambalpur town, from where she retired 31 years ago with a small pension. She was the third among 11 siblings and was responsible for the education of her younger siblings, reports the daily.

Dr Panda said she wanted to return the kindness which the university once showed her and her parents also gave importance to education more than anything. "My mother was quite instrumental in our education. Though I did not have much money after my retirement, I made up my mind to give back something that helped me pursue my education. Recently, I got some money from the sale of land and also broke my fixed deposit from which I could arrange Rs 30 lakh," she stated.

As a token of gratitude towards her old institute, the doctor contacted professor N Nagaraju, Vice-Chancellor of GM University and expressed her intention of donating to the university.

"A month ago I got a call from her saying she has some money to donate to the alma mater that helped her study. She said she wanted to repay something to her institution. Though she passed out of GM University long ago, I was touched by her sense of gratitude," stated professor N Nagaraju.

Nagaraju further informed that the donation of Rs 30 lakh would ensure a donation of Rs 60 lakh as the state government under its Mo College-Mo University programme gives double the amount donated by alumnae.

"She was hesitant towards any publicity for her contribution. But we too have a sense of gratitude towards her act of philanthropy," stated the vice-chancellor. Her kind gesture and commitment towards her benefactors have been lauded by the chairman of Mo College-Mo University programme, Akash Dasnayak.

odisha doctorGangadhar Meher UniversityDr Narayani PandaGM college trustgynaecologistmbbsgurudakshina

Source : with inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.