FROM BAREFOOT FIELDS TO HEALING HANDS: STORY OF A DOC

Born into a poor farmer’s family and the seventh of eight siblings, Gopal Kalita grew up without even a pair of slippers to his name. Now, he is a respected gynaecologist, writes Prasanta Mazumdar

- Prasanta Mazumdar

THE nights in Kathora village in Assam’s undivided Kamrup district were once long and dark. But a young boy, barefoot and determined, managed to light them up with his hard work and willpower.

Born into a poor farmer’s family and the seventh of eight siblings, Gopal Kalita grew up without even a pair of slippers to his name. Until he passed Class 10, he went barefoot to school, to the fields, and to the riverbanks. Yet, those bare beginnings never distracted him from his studies.

Now 58, Dr Kalita is a respected gynaecologist. He completed his postgraduate medical education and built a life of dignity through perseverance. His two daughters have followed in his footsteps — the elder is a postgraduate student at AIIMS, Jammu, while the younger is pursuing her MBBS from Jorhat Medical College and Hospital. His wife, too, is a doctor, but she chose to take voluntary retirement to focus on their daughters’ education.

Kalita’s story is one of grit and quiet triumph. Despite his success, he has remained deeply connected to his roots. Whenever possible, he returns to Kathora, now in Nalbari district, to spend time with the villagers.