Padma Shri recipient Dr Mani Chetri dies at 106 leaving lasting medical legacy

Dr Mani Kumar Chhetri, a celebrated cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 106 on Sunday evening. Known affectionately as 'Sir' by his peers, Chhetri was widely regarded as one of India’s most eminent doctors. He breathed his last at his residence, leaving behind a legacy of medical excellence and service.

Born on May 23, 1920, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Chhetri completed his MBBS from the University of Calcutta in 1944, followed by MD and MRCP degrees. He held key positions including Surgeon-Superintendent at SSKM Hospital and Professor-Director at IPGMER’s Department of Cardiology and Medicine. He was also the personal doctor of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

Honored with the Padma Shri in 1974 for his exceptional contributions to medicine, Dr Chhetri retired in 1982. Despite retirement, he remained actively involved in patient care and medical administration, serving as State Health Director and contributing to the creation of multiple medical centers and infrastructure across West Bengal.

In recent weeks, Dr Chhetri suffered a fall at home and was hospitalized for treatment. He returned home but remained bedridden and succumbed to age-related causes. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and patients, highlighting his unwavering dedication to medicine and the generations of doctors he mentored.