Tributes Pour In as Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Mani Chhetri Passes Away
Synopsis
The medical community mourns the loss of Dr. Mani Chhetri, a distinguished Padma Shri awardee, who passed away at the age of 105. His contributions to medicine in Bengal and India remain unparalleled.
Key Takeaways
Mani Chhetri was a Padma Shri awardee.
He significantly impacted cardiology and healthcare in Bengal.
His career spanned decades, shaping the future of medicine in India.
He was 105 years old at the time of his passing.
Tributes have poured in from various quarters, including the Chief Minister.
Kolkata, April 6 (NationPress) Esteemed physician and Padma Shri recipient Mani Chhetri has died, as confirmed by his family on Monday. He had been dealing with various ailments associated with aging.
The distinguished doctor passed away at 10:15 PM on Sunday at his residence in Ballygunge Place. He was 105 years old. According to family sources, he had sustained a head injury about two weeks prior, leading to a rapid decline in his health.
In response to this loss, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences via social media.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Mani Chhetri, a luminary in the medical community of Bengal and India. His legacy will be remembered. My thoughts are with his family, along with the many students, patients, and admirers he inspired," CM Banerjee stated in a post on Monday morning.
Dr. Chhetri served as the director of SSKM Hospital, where his initiatives led to the establishment of the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).
His efforts also resulted in the launch of several departments, including Endocrinology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Diabetes, and Rheumatology, making them the first of their kind in any hospital within the state.
The West Bengal Doctors' Forum announced that all doctors across the state would don black badges on Monday in honor of this legendary figure.
Born on May 23, 1920, in Darjeeling, Dr. Chhetri completed his primary education at the Darjeeling Municipality Primary School and graduated matriculation from Calcutta University in 1936.
He earned his medical degree in 1944 and pursued his postgraduate studies in 1949. He later traveled abroad for further medical education.
In 1955, he was awarded the MRCP from the Royal College of Physicians, London. He also obtained notable fellowships, including from the American College of Cardiology in 1969 and the Indian Academy of Medical Sciences in 1972, followed by another from the Royal College of Physicians in 1973.
Upon returning to India, Dr. Chhetri began his career at the School of Tropical Medicine in Kolkata as a resident physician and later became a consultant physician at Presidency General Hospital under Chief Minister Bidhan Chandra Roy.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to medicine, Dr. Mani Kumar Chhetri was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 1974.
Point of View
It is evident that his legacy will inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Dr. Mani Chhetri's contribution to medicine?
Dr. Mani Chhetri was instrumental in establishing the Intensive Therapy Unit at SSKM Hospital and initiated various medical departments, including cardiology and endocrinology, in West Bengal.
How old was Dr. Mani Chhetri when he passed away?
Dr. Mani Chhetri was 105 years old at the time of his passing.
What recognition did Dr. Chhetri receive for his work?
He was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1974 for his outstanding contributions to the field of medicine in India.
Where was Dr. Chhetri born?
He was born in Darjeeling on May 23, 1920.
What did Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee say about Dr. Chhetri?
She expressed her sadness over his passing and recognized his significant contributions to the medical field.
