Dr. Pinaki Kinkar Nandy is a life member of the Calcutta Chapter. He was born in a simple middle class Bengali family in 1971. His family came face to face with hemophilia when he was one and a half year old. He suffered from spontaneous bleeds in different parts of the body on numerous occasions, which left him with deformity in his left knee and both elbow joints.

 

Since childhood he was a meritorious student and desired to know about hemophilia. His dream got fulfilled when he finally got selected for the MBBS course in 1990, adding one more feather to his cap by becoming the first medical graduate PWH (person with hemophilia) from West Bengal. Here he shares with us the secret behind his success: Moral courage and mental strength are the two great inborn virtues of mankind. Strong determination, devotion and dedication towards a definite goal within one's limits can help a person become successful. Physical limitation is not an absolute bar.

 

Bad times and sorrow may come in any one's life but are not everlasting. One should keep his head cool and mind progressive at all times and keep faith in face of struggles and hurdles. To think only about poor health and bleeding during bed-ridden days worsens bleeding episodes.

 

He learnt to spend "woeful days of his life going through story books, journals, newspapers, autobiographies of great persons, listening to music, radio (FM programmes) and watching TV". Relaxation either through diversion of mind or meditation is the best way to self-help in time of loneliness. At that time, He gained inspiration by thinking that he is in a better condition than thousands of other countrymen and almighty God is always with him to strengthen his spirit. Medical profession is always uplifting. It is full of scientific explanations. Doctors are thought to be the most precious gifts of God.

 

Since childhood, "I was determined to know about my disease and its treatment." "Self confidence and earnest will to know about hemophilia and provide some relief to other PWH have acted as major factors behind my selection." His achievements through extreme struggle with many evil factors of modern society are only due to the sacrifice of his parents. Their cooperation and assistance with proper guidance, patience and dedication to his betterment are the keys for his success. He acknowledges, "The helping attitude of my relatives, classmates and teachers in schools and colleges is over shadowed by the role played by my parents."