My earliest memories of Pratip are during the St Paul’s 175 years reunion at Darjeeling. (My husband and he were batchmates). Over the next couple of days I became his assigned photographer as he happily entrusted me with his camera to capture the precious moments of his re lived school life  and the magical bonhomie with batchmates…

We exchanged numbers. And in the years that followed, this was the one phone number I treasured most above others as it was my SOS  link to the man I trusted with all my, and our family’s, medical issues.

And he never failed or disappointed us…

Such was the man. Thorough gentleman. Friend. Confidante…and then a doctor. As a result one never stressed about any illness with him by one’s side. He had this wonderful quality of being able to allay your fears and though the treatment could be an extended one,  you felt better in no time.

Friends, acquaintances and total strangers hounded us for an appointment with this exceptional doctor. And there too…he never disappointed. Each text message to him would be promptly replied to, and the needful done.

Which is why when my last text message to him a few hours before that fateful day went unanswered, I dreaded the news that followed.

Pratip…you are missed so much. Each time I need to just hear a reassuring voice or need some emergency medical attention, I still don’t know whom to turn to…

Stay in peace wherever you are. They don’t make men like you anymore…