New Delhi: Dr. Radha Govind Kar, the man behind the establishment of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, recently came into the spotlight due to a tragic rape-murder case involving a female doctor at the institution. However, few know about the extraordinary journey of this visionary, who dedicated his life to the welfare of the poor and founded Asias first private medical college through sheer determination and relentless effort.Born on 23 August 1852, Dr. Kar was a remarkable physician whose desire to serve the underprivileged led him to make incredible sacrifices. After completing his medical studies in London, he could have pursued a prosperous career in medicine, enjoying a comfortable life. Yet, he chose a different path, driven by a deep-seated belief in the need to provide healthcare to the less fortunate.RG Kar raised funds through humilityRather than relying on personal wealth or connections, Dr. Kar took to the streets to raise funds for his dream project. According to his fourth-generation family members, Dr. Kar humbly begged for donations to lay the foundation of a hospital that would cater to the common people. His determination and selflessness caught the attention of the British authorities at the time, who were so impressed by his commitment that they provided him with a significant financial contribution to further expand the hospital.Legacy of RG Kar Medical CollegeToday, the hospital Dr. Kar established through such humble means stands tall as one of the largest and most respected medical institutions in the country. His legacy lives on not only through the hospital itself but also through the generations of his family who followed him into the medical profession. Although the first two generations of Dr. Kars descendants pursued careers in medicine, many in later generations branched out into business and other fields. However, the familys connection to the hospital remains unbroken.Continued family tradition of organ donationOne of Dr. Kars descendants continues to uphold the family tradition by studying medicine at the very institution his ancestor founded. The connection runs deep, as the family remains involved with the hospital in various ways, including a unique gesture of respect for Dr. Kars mission: when a family member passes away, their body is donated to the hospital to aid medical students in their studies. This ongoing bond ensures that the familys contributions to the hospital and to the medical field live on through future generations.The story of Dr. Radha Govind Kar is a testament to the power of humility, sacrifice, and dedication. His work has left an indelible mark on Indias medical landscape, and his legacy continues to inspire both his family and the countless medical professionals who have passed through the halls of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
