The Insangoma for Asiatic Cholera

An asset for society and a scientific genius, he was a Messiah in disguise. His discoveries in the field of bacteriology have saved millions of lives all around the world. This is a tribute to him on the occasion of his death anniversary. Delve deeper to find more about this person who has transformed the way medical science works through his cognizance.

Dr. Sambhu Nath De; Source: Public Domain

Whenever we put our heads together about how far medical science has made the headway, ‘Black Death’ always comes into being in our deliberations. But only a handful of people are aware of the infamous ‘Blue Death’ which was also popularly baptized as ‘Dog Death’ by the Frenchies.

But as they say, “Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it.” This creativity was shown by a Bengali lad who barely had enough assets to set the seal on his matriculation. Today we are going to know about this amazing person who is also popularly known as ‘The Medical Man of Cholera aka Blue Death’. Born in Hooghly District of Bengal, Sambhu Nath De was the epitome of a wonder kid. He was excellent in his studies and other academic manoeuvres.

After completing his education, his assiduousness finally paid off, and he got the much-revered scholarship to the Calcutta Medical College. Though he started medical empiricism yet his heart was riveted to a research laboratory. His father-in-law cum mentor was an eminent bacteriologist. Dr.M.N.De knew that his Damad always aspired to be an awesomesauce scientist.

Dr.M.N.De put forward Sambhu’s name to Sir Roy Cameron who was an eminent pathologist during those days. He then joined as a PhD student in Cameron’s lab at University College of London in 1947. Even though he got immense support from all his loved ones throughout his career, he still had his own demons of depression and homesickness to deal with.

After his homecoming, he was determined to devote his education to find the cure to cholera. He brought light to the animal model of cholera also cleped as Cholera Toxin and also efficiently corroborated the modus operandi of transmission of Vibrio Cholera which is said to be a Cholera Pathogen. This was a breakthrough in the field of medical science and this stroke of genius was a form of largesse to the entire world from our very own Bengali lad.

He took his final rest from Calcutta Medical College in 1973 at the age of 58. He showed no more temptation towards higher authority positions and soldiered on with his fact-finding at the Bose Institute, Calcutta.

In 1978, De was honoured with an invitation from the Nobel Foundation to get in on the act in the 43rd Nobel Symposium on Cholera and Related Diarrhoeas.

Despite his marvellous accomplishments and achievements, he remained to be an unacknowledged hero in the scientific circle. He breathed his last on 15 April 1985 at the age of 70. Driven by the instinct to do something good for society, he never faltered from his decision of taking the less travelled road. Though he’s not present with us today, his contribution will forever be an inspiration to all of us.

Yes, he was an unsung hero but his work said it all.