Cuttack: A big void is created in the world of Cardiology treatment and research with the sad demise of Prof. Jadunath Prasad Das – well known as the father of Cardiology in Odisha. Prof. Dr. J P Das passed away at the age of 90 years yesterday at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Dr Jadunath Prasad Das is credited as the man who started the Department of Cardiology at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. His research and academic contribution to the field of Cardiology made him one of the prominent cardiologists of the country. Born to Biswanath Das and Nilamani Devi in 1933, Jadunath excelled in academic performance and stood in the best tenth in the state in his 10th and Intermediate class.
He completed his MBBS Degree from the SCB Medical College Cuttack with Honours in 1956 and further studied DTM & H at University of Edinburgh, UK, MRCP at Royal College of Physician, Edinburgh, UK in 1962 and DM Cardiology from Christian Medical College Vellore in the year 1968. In the year 1969, he founded the Department of Cardiology at the SCB Medical College and Hospital.
During his long and distinguished career, Jadunath achieved many feats and was associated with a large number of institutions of international repute. He was a fellow of the Royal College of Physician, Edinburgh, UK; Fellow of the American College of Cardiology; Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India; Founder Fellow of Indian College of Cardiology; Founder Fellow of Indian College of Physicians; Fellow Cardiological Society of India;
As Fellow of World Health Organization Jadunath visited National Heart Hospital , London ; Thorax Centrum Rotterdam , Holland ; Royal Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark ; Almana Hospital , Malmo, Sweden ; Institute of Cardiology , Moscow, Russia and many more places.
Many of his students are today working as renowned cardiologists who have earned accolades around the globe. The distinctions he had achieved and the positions he had held in many prestigious institutions across the country and outside are too many for this space to carry. He will also be remembered for his body of extraordinary artworks he passionately created and preserved.
Though Jadunath was a distinguished Cardiologist, he was also known for his penchant to art. He was an accomplished artist and recognized as an eminent painter. His Solo Art Exhibitions were held at Kolkata, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Talcher. Also, unique exhibitions were held with 100 different Sketches of Mahatma Gandhi. His arts have found place in exhibitions at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He authored four books namely Muse of Heart ( Sketch & Line Diagram), Dialogue : Heart to Heart ( Painting, Critical Review), Intimate Whispers ( English Poems with Sketches), and Neela Taranga ( Odia Poetry).