Prof. Supriyo Ghose: Reminiscing the life of a genius

Prof. Supriyo Ghose’s journey through life is a testament to his intellectual brilliance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of ophthalmology. Prof. Ghose was not just a genius ophthalmologist or a dedicated family man—he was a giant among men, a truly remarkable soul whose heart of gold touched all those fortunate enough to know him. Born in 1947, Prof. Ghose began his academic journey at St. Xavier’s School, Calcutta, where he studied until 1962. His exceptional academic performance throughout his schooling earned him several distinctions and prizes, culminating in the prestigious National Scholarship in 1963. He went on to complete his MBBS with First Division honors from Medical College Calcutta in 1969, where he also received College Scholarships and Certificates of Honors. Dr. Ghose joined Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi as a junior resident in ophthalmology. After successfully completing his MD, he went on to finish a three-year senior residency. He was appointed as a faculty member immediately upon completing his senior residency in 1978. His early professional interests spanned ophthalmoplasty, trauma, glaucoma, and microsurgery, areas in which he was greatly influenced by the guidance of Prof. Y. Dayal and Prof. N. N. Sood. However, it was under the mentorship of Prof. L. P. Agarwal that he shifted his focus to pediatric ophthalmology, particularly its more intricate and lesser-understood aspects. He was selected and appointed as a Professor of Ophthalmology in 1993. In 2004, Dr. Ghose took over as the chief of R. P. Centre and superannuated from the Centre in 2012. He was one of the most sought-after teachers by undergraduates, post-graduates, and fellow ophthalmologists from across the country. Revered as a great teacher and mentor, he was deeply admired by his students. He trained several students who have since risen to prominent positions and become esteemed educators in the field themselves. Dr. Ghose was a keen researcher reflected in over 140 published papers, including approximately 50 in esteemed international journals. In fact, he had one of the highest publications in international journals of repute for his time – when publishing even a single paper was a task in itself. He also authored several book chapters on ocular problems and emergencies in children. Over the years, Dr. Ghose presented more than 200 research papers at various international and national forums. One of these presentations, delivered at the Ahmedabad AIOS Golden Jubilee Conference, earned him the coveted Hanumantha Reddy Award. He was also awarded the S.K. Biswas Memorial Oration, the Best Poster Award at AIOS, and the C.L. Malhotra Research Prize in Pharmacology and Allied Sciences for his pioneering work on centbucridine, a local anesthetic. His alma mater honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion of the RP Centre Foundation Day Celebrations in 2023. Prof. Ghose was a brilliant ophthalmologist, renowned not only for his medical expertise but also for his generosity and passion for his work. He had the rare gift of seeing beyond the symptoms of his patients, touching lives with empathy and understanding. His hands healed, but his heart soothed. To many, he was not just a doctor; he was a symbol of compassion and excellence in a field that demands the best of us. Those who had the privilege to work alongside him saw not only his brilliance but also his honesty and dedication. He was a bold administrator who valued integrity and commitment to duty. He was a perfectionist to the core who never ever compromised his standards and always stood his moral ground. He was also an expert in organizing outreach surgical camps, and his attention to even the most minute of details and desire for perfection ensured that everything went smoothly under his helm. But Prof. Ghose was much more than a brilliant mind in the world of ophthalmology. He was a born traveler, who loved exploring new places, always with his family in tow. Even being bound to a wheelchair in the last years of his life did not dampen his zest for exploring new terrains. He was a beloved husband and father. A compassionate family man who cherished the presence of his loved ones above all else. His love for his family was boundless, and his commitment to them was unwavering. Prof. Ghose taught us all what it truly means to value family, to be present, and to give without asking for anything in return. Outside of his professional life, Prof. Ghose was a man of many talents. He was a skilled and passionate table tennis player, a sport he enjoyed not just for the competition but as a way to stay active and connected to his community. He approached every challenge, whether on the table tennis court or in the operating room, with the same discipline and focus, always striving for perfection. Those who knew him best speak of his humility. He was always generous with his time and knowledge and touched the life of every single person who came into contact with him, even for a brief period – right from the VIPs thronging the halls of AIIMS, to his colleagues and students, to the telephone operators and security guards. In fact, his eidetic memory ensured he never forgot not only your name but your residence, details of your family, telephone numbers, and what not. He led by example, and his kindness was evident in everything he did. To call him a mentor would be an understatement; he was a friend and a pillar of support to all who crossed his path. Today, as we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life—a life lived with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to those around him. We honor the man who made a profound impact on the lives of so many, whose legacy in the field of ophthalmology and the hearts of his loved ones will never fade. We will miss him deeply, but we will carry his memory with us, always. It is my honor to be able to pay tribute to my mentor, who has shaped not only my journey in ophthalmology but also my life path. I had the privilege of being his first thesis candidate, and I learned from him not only how to write papers but also how to stand firm on my ethics, people-handling skills, and how to maintain my equanimity both in good times and bad. Rest in peace, Prof. Ghose. You will never be forgotten.