In the late summer of 1951, little did Mr. and Mrs. M K Choudhury know the enigmatic life that their 3rd born son would lead. Born on 16th October 1952 in Dhubri (Assam), Dr Ashit Baran Choudhury or Shibu as he was fondly called at home, believed in simple living and high thinking.
Coming from a modest background, he completed his schooling in Tuensang, where his father was deputed as a representative of Assam Government in NEFA (North East Frontier Agency). Due to his love for Nagas, Dr Choudhury’s father chose to stay back in Nagaland when he was given the option to rejoin his mother institution. Dr Choudhury proved his father’s decision right when he became the first student to pass in 1st division from Government High School, Tuensang under Assam Board in the year 1968.
He later went on to pursue his medical degree in Guwahati Medical College after completing B.Sc part I from Science College, Jotsoma. Being teachers’ favorite student throughout his study years, he was offered Post Graduate degree based on his meritorious record. However, he had to decline it owing to the rising family responsibilities after his father’s untimely demise.
After passing out from GMC in 1977, Dr Choudhury joined Civil Hospital, Dimapur and worked there for 3 years (1977 to 1980) followed by a brief stint at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Dimapur.
His constant hunger for knowledge and passion to serve humanity drove him to learn different languages. He was proficient in Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali and 17 local Naga dialects.
He started his private practice in 1980 in a small clinic attached to a pharmacy near Railway Gate, Dimapur. The hordes of patients, who turn up from far and wide, were of proof of his clinical acumen and human nature.
He married in 1985 and the couple was blessed with a daughter in the following year. As a husband and father, he ensured that both his wife and daughter were empowered and financially independent.
As a popularity grew, he shifted his clinic to the current place in Burma Camp. Throughout his 40 years of clinical practice, he gave selfless service to the people of Nagaland. Other than treating patients in charity and giving free medications, he was also actively involved in relief works in remote villages, providing financial help to the needy and pioneering the set-up of medical organizations in Nagaland.
His demise on 23rd February 2017 was not mourned by family but by the multitude of people cutting across all sections as well. The palpable disbelief of the sudden fatal heart attack was evident in the tears of those who loved him dearly.
He survived by his wife and his only daughter, who as he desired took up the same profession as his.
Dr A.B Choudhury has left behind a legacy that will be hard to emulate and a void that is impossible to fill. This column is just a small memoir to the exemplary life that he has led.
Sd/-
Kamala Kanta Paul, Advocate
