Our Inspiration-Dr J N Kanjilal
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2003 May / Jun VOL V NO 3.
Prof Dr Kasim Chimthanawala
To write an ode for one’s Teacher is both a matter of
privilege, pleasure and pride. Being a disciple of Late Dr j n Kanjilal, I had
an opportunity to know this Master Homoeopath intimately. In every fiber of his
soul he was a Homoeopath. His genius, in countless instances, was manifested not
only by the tactful approach to the patient’s complaints, but also the
untiring work in the academics of this therapeutic art. It shall be a fitting
tribute, if by following his life and works, we may in some way improve our
knowledge of our system and renew our commitments towards the goal of our lives.
Birth :30th August 1908 - A Red letter day in
the history of Indian Homoeopathy.
On this day, in a small hamlet of East Bengal, the present Bangladesh, was born
our Guru Dr Jnananedra Nath Kanjilal. After completing his education at the
Carmichael Medical College (MB 1936), he started his practice at a small village
called Daulatpur near Khulna in 1938.
Transformation :Being a staunch Freedom fighter, he was jailed at
Khulna. It was there, in the dark prison rooms, his affair with Homoeopathy
began. Being an avid reader, he immediately took this newer approach to treat
the sick and drowned himself in the basics of Homoeopathy. The severe epidemic
of 1940 of Cerebral Malaria in his village changed his life forever. He found
remarkable success with Homoeopathic medications in controlling the epidemic.
This inculcated in him a deep sense of commitment and respect for the science.
Professional career :Being a Master academician, he was associated
with D N Dey Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. He taught
various subjects as Pathology, Clinical Medicine, Materia Medica, Philosophy and
Gynecology. A firm believer in the original Hahnemannian thoughts, he often
remarked "Scientific training differentiates a therapist from a
quack." Having a roaring practice at Kolkata, his approach to the patient
and prescriptions blended perfectly with the principles of the Organon.
Academic Associations :He was a Life member and a General Council
member of the All India Homoeopathic Medical Association. He was also the only
member of the Central Council of All India Institute of Homoeopathy
simultaneously. An indefatigable crusader for unity, he was the founder of the
West Bengal Homoeopathic Federation and went on to unite the two All India
Associations to form The Homoeopathic Medical Association of India. The
Homoeopathic fraternity, as a token of gratitude and acknowledgement of the
services he rendered, bestowed the coveted chair of the President of Honor for
life. There was no National committee appointed by the Government of India,
without him being its vital force. Some of these being the Research Committee,
Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee, Planning Commission Task Force etc. He was
the Assistant International Vice President for India of the International
Homoeopathic Medical League and also president of the All India Homoeopathic
Editors Guild. Till before his retirement about a year ago, he was regular
participant in International Congresses. I can recount an instance worth
mentioning which depicted his deep sense of commitment to the Hahnemannian
philosophy and an unwavering zeal that set him apart from the rest. It was at
the time when a discussion was taking place at the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia
committee of the Drug Technical Advisory Board of India on inclusion of patents
in homoeopathic pharmacopoeia. Without giving any second thought, when his
objections were getting over-ruled he immediately placed his resignation letter.
Along with the parent drugs like Alfalfa, Cineria maritima, Euphrasia,
etc were retained in pure forms and no mixtures were allowed. With his
characteristic fervor and single minded efforts, he fledged members. He was
perhaps the only one to return his M B S degree following criticism regarding
the modalities of the awards.
Publications :His contribution to the academic and scientific field
is outstanding. He has published several extremely useful papers. His hard
hitting editorials in the popular journal Hahnemannian Gleanings on a variety of
subjects were an eye opener and food for thought. He was one of the torch
bearers and advisor of the Homoeopathic Heritage as well as the editor of the
Journal of the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India. He even offered
valuable suggestions and his precious rare books for reprint. He was ready to
sacrifice anything for a cause or a principle.
Even in his ripe old age, in fact just for a year previous to his death, he
remained very mobile and used to attend all conferences and meetings in India
and abroad where his august presence was required. He was a colossus in the
Homoeopathic field - a multifaceted personality, the likes of which can never
be duplicated.
