test book

LEAVING LEGACY BEHIND ...

YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE ...

WHAT PEOPLE THINK ...

2

3

… the canvas of residences

This Memoir which attempts to catalogue the life of Dr Wasudeo P Thatte,
Anaesthesiologist from Indore, who has left a wealth of professional acumen,
family bondage and an environment full of hard work for the next gen to imbibe.

His legacy needs to be preserved and revered for yet another century …

YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE ...

4

ARVI IN THE LAST CENTURY

5

ARVI IN THE LAST CENTURY Arvi has an average elevation of 328 metres
(1075 feet). Arvi is an important centre for the cotton and
soybean trade. The closest airport from Arvi is Nagpur Air-
port situated at 100 kilo meters and the closest Railway
Station From Arvi is Pulgoan Junction situated at 35 kilo
meters. The location of Arvi is on Ravandev Garmasur
Plateau, which is also a reason for the growth of long

thread bearing cotton.

Wardha river and Bakli river flowing
alongside the borders of Arvi taluka are
the main source of water for the villages.

Arvi is also called the City of Saints. Saint Maybai,
Saint Pandurang Maharaj, Saint Lahanuji Maharaj
are the prominent ones having their own followers
spread across the Vidarbha region.

Arvi is also known for its British time rail
"Shakuntla Express", which is one of the
longest surviving narrow gauge rail line in
India. British had built it for the purpose of
transport and thereby export cotton to
Manchester City in England. Very recently this
has been discontinued ..

Arvi ghee especially that obtained from the local
cow breed Gaolao is famous in Vidarbha region
and is sold across region. There is lake named
"Sarangpuri" created by Britishers in 1907 AD.
The specialty of this is that the water is supplied
to entire town without motor by the mechanism
of gravitational force, the water has high purified
quality.

6

ARVI IN THIS CENTURY The age old ARVI Railway
station has been in abandoned
state .. Wild foliage is all
around it and dismantling of
the railway assets will soon be
taken on..

Nagar Parishad or Muncipal Council has now a new
Building and the town is stepping into new sphere of life.
A Polytechnic College is creating new opportunities for
the children of the region.

7

First Wave – early 1918 IN THE LAST CENTURY

The spread of the Spanish Flu has a strong
relation to World War I. Some suggest that the
conditions of the War aided the spread of the
flu, while others argue that the Spanish Flu
determined the course of the war. The war also
helped the beginning of the Spanish flu to go
unnoticed.
The first reported case is at Camp Funston (a
major military camp) in Kansas, United States,
from which it spread to other military camps
around the US. The troops then traveled and brought the flu
over the Atlantic Ocean, where it first reached France and the
Western Front Countries (Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and
Switzerland). It continued to spread from there to Eastern
Europe and North Africa.
Interestingly, the virus reached Japan a month after it entered
the Western Front. It also spread to Japanese colonies in
Taiwan and Korea, then British India, which supplied a lot of
personnel to Great Britain during the War. Population densities
in India helped transmission and turned Bombay (Mumbai) into
an epicenter for the Flu. Australia later became exposed to the
flu when overseas servicemen returned home.
If you are wondering why this seemingly international event
was dubbed the Spanish Flu, this is because
most countries attempted to keep news of its
spread quiet to avoid mass hysteria.

Spain was the first country to openly admit the
gravity of the situation.

Spanish Flu Enters India

8

In India this Spanish Flu was called BOMBAY FEVER

9

03 October 1920
11:36 IST

…. It was 03 October 1920, Sunday , 11:36 IST :
birth of a baby boy named Wasudeo ( aka Pandit )

in the lawyers family was a joyous occasion.
Influenza was affecting the region, especially the new born -

so extra care and caution …
…. Destiny crafted this young one and the journey continued from Arvi to Indore ….

10

The Traditional Studio Photograph
Father and Son
June 1924

11

Our Grand Father Shri Parshuram Vinayak Thatte , was born Death - 09 Dec 1993); second son Dr
on 22 Feb 1876 , Parshuram, Taluka Wasudeo , MBBS(Bom),DA ( Bom) DA
Chiplun, Dist Ratnagiri. He graduated with a ( London) ( Born - 03 Oct 1920 , Death –
Degree in Law B.L from Nagpur in 1903. The 08 Apr 2004 ) and the youngest son
affiliated University in those days was Cal- Dr Achyut , Msc , PhD .
cutta ! He was known as Tatya saheb. He
practiced law at his home town Arvi from They had three daughters, eldest was
1903 till 1912 and then shifted to Wardha Pramila ( Mrs Manorama Narayan Vaidya,
for the period 1912 to 1948. He Nashik) Born 07 July 1909 , Death 7 April
was also associated with the
Taluka Congress Committee and 1931 ) , she was known as ‘Tai’ ;
dod a stsint as its President. In next was Kamla ( Mrs Manda-
1930 Gandhiji’s clarion call to boy- kini Bhargav Gharpure, Vardha )
cott British laws, in that Arvi Con- Born 11 July 1913 , Death 31
gress Committee had commenced Oct 1985 , she was known as
a Satygrah in the neighbouring ‘Mai’ ; third was Sindhu ( Mrs
Ashti village , which was led by P V Rama Mukund Solegaonkar ,
Thatte. He was taken into custody Pen ) Born – 01 May 1923
by the Britishers and was jailed for Death 19 Nov 2006 ).
6 months – British Raj !! The three
young sons, later understood the Tatya sahib was fond of Foun-
significance of Bharat Chodo Andolan – tain pens and Watches.
Burn British Goods and Non Cooperation
movement. They stopped eating the Tatya sahib was 81 when on 29 Jan 1957
granulated Sugar because it was imported he breathed his last at Indore while his
from Mauritius. Doctor son was by his bed side

Smt Umabai died on 14 Nov 1980 at Indore ,
whike staying with Dr Wasudeo P Thatte.

He was married to Umabai ( maiden name –

Chingutai Khare from Malegaon, Dist

Nashik. She gave birth to three sons and ( Above Excerpts are from various relevant

three daughters. Eldest son was Dr. emails from Dr A P Thatte , the youngest of

RFaRgMhuentaSTtohhcPeieTtTyhraa(tdBteiot,FrinMoatn-Sh1ace.4l,rSPNathounDvdd1(iBo9So1oPm5nh), otographtbhaei Thatte brothers, sent to us from Mum-
and Pune, over the years.)

June 1924

12

The Traditional Studio Photograph
Father and Son
June 1924

13

THATTE GENEALOGY

GENERATION

RAGHUNTH 7

VAMAN RAMCHANDRA DAUGHTER 8

VINAYAK MORESHWAR SADASHIV KRUSHNAJI GOVIND MANU NARAYAN HARI 9
10
(b …. d 07.1922) 11

MAHADEV PARSHURAM BHAGIRATHI YAMUNA KRUSHNA
JOSHI
(b22021876 d 29011957 .. KARVE KARVE

UMABAI (b 121893d 14111980)

RAGHUNATH WASUDEO ACHYUT SHRIPAD PRAMILA KAMLA SINDHU

VASUDHA PATWARDHAN URMILA KANE USHA PATANKAR Manorama Vaidya Mandakini Gharpure Rama Solegaonkar

(b13111915 d ……….) (b 03101920 d 08042004) ( b 01041926 ) (d 1932) (b 07071909 d 07041931) (b 11071913 d 31101985) (b 01051923 d19112006)
( b ……. d……..)
(b 18041924 d ……….) (b 14081923 d 20011991)
m 23061957
m …………... m …………...

SANEEVANI ANJALI VINEETA MADHURA NIRANJAN
( b ……. )
( b 04.09.1942; d …….) ( b ……. ; d …….) ( b ……. ) ( b ……. )
HILIPPE DARNIS
SHASHI KAMATH VIVEK ……. 12
m ……………
m …………… m …………...

SADANAND ( b 24111948 ) SARANG ( b 15021954 ) CHANDRASHEKHAR ( b 15011956 )
RANJANA ( b ……. ) SMITA ( b 17091959 ) SHREYA ( b ……. )
( Saptarshi) ( Vaijayanti Godbole) ( Smita Kulkarni )

m 14121975 m 17121982 m 0212.

14

… the journey begins

…. Early education of the young Wasudeo Parshuram Thatte had commenced at home and then

changing schools from Arvi to Wardha and Nagpur.
College education was from Science College Nagpur, where he stayed wih his uncle . He finished his

Inter examination and opted for Medical education. This was a major change as young Wasudeo
decided to sport the white coat and become a doctor.

Seth G S Medical College and K E M Hospital, Bombay
became his new home in 1940.

15

… the mile stones

1920 - born at Arvi , Maharashtra as sixth 1945 - Passed MBBS from G S
sibling then - four elder sisters ( two died within Medical College, Bombay and K E
a year) and one elder brother. Presently, only M Hospital, Bombay
one younger brother alive.
1948 - Diploma in Anaesthesia , K E M
1945 - 1952 - House Surgeon, Casualty Medical Hospital, Bombay University
Officer, Resident and Registrar of Anaesthesia at
K E M Hospital, Parel , Bombay 1952 - 1970 - Lecturer, Reader and Head of the
Dept of Anaesthesia at MGM Medical College,
1948 - - Diploma in Anaesthesia , Indore
K E M Hospital, Bombay University
1975 - Retired from Govt Job.
1970 - 1971 - Professor of Anaesthesia at
G M College , Bhopal

16

… the beginning of Anaesthesia at Bombay

‘ … Anaesthesia essentially was considered as
freedom from Pain. Over the years, numerous

developments in this field have changed this
perception and Anaesthesiologists have

evolved from the four walls of the operating
room to become Critical care physicians as
well as Pain Medicine Consultants.

Dr. Moksha Madan Desai was the first Honorary Anaesthesiologist to
join this institution in 1925 followed by Dr. B. N. Sircar,

Dr. G. S. Ambardekar and Dr. Y. G. Bhojraj who contributed
tremendously towards the growth of this department.

The department of Anesthesiology at KEM Hospital , Bombay has kept
up with the ever growing technology and responsibilities which comes

with it and has branched into many sub specialities.

Fellowships / D M programmes have started in Cardiac, Pediatric,
Neuro, Gastroenterology and Regional Anesthesia services. Fellowships

in Difficult Airway, Obstetric
Anesthesia and Chronic Pain are

also in the pipeline. It has
progressed from a very small
department to one of the biggest

department not only in the
institute but also in Asia.

17

… the beginning of Anaesthesia at Bombay
‘
FIRST AMONG FIRST - KEM HOSPITAL, PAREL BOMBAY

 First intravenous anesthesia with Thipentone sodium (1940s)
 First hypothermia technique for ASD (1953)
 First All India Conference of Indian Society of Anesthetists (1949)
 First total spinal technique for controlled hypotension (1954)
 Largest numbers of Presidents of Indian Society of Anesthetists from KEM Hospital,

Mumbai. (Five)

On 16 October 1946, a centenary celebration of “Ether – Anaesthesia” was held at
the G. S. Medical College in Bombay.

Dr S K Bakshi (Delhi), Dr B N Sircar, Dr G S Talwalkar, Dr M N Desa(Bombay),
Mukteshwar Prasad (Patna) and F. Saher conceived the formation of
Indian Society of Anaesthetists (ISA).

Dr. Saher, in charge of the correspondence for opinions, died soon after following an
operation! Dr. B. B. Sircar of Seth G. S. Medical College, Bombay took over and the
Society was established in 1947.

18

19

20

21

….. the young doc

22

23

24

25

DR WASUDEO WEDS USHA

17 MAY 1947 10: 30 AM PUNE

26

… the beginning of Anaesthesia Society

‘‘ First ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The First Annual Conference of ISA through the combined society was held on 23 - 24th Dec 1949 at
Seth G S Medical College, Mumbai. The Society has been holding Annual Conferences regularly since
1949 until 1964 along with Association of the Surgeons of India.

On 23rd and 24th December, 1949, during the Annual Surgeons Conference, the first meeting of
the ISA was held at the Seth G. S. Medical College. Dr. M. N. Desai was the chairman of the Reception
Committee and Dr. J. R. Jagase (Bombay) was the President.

The following delegates were present :

Drs. G S Ambardekar, Awalegaokar, G S Talwalkar (Treasurer), B N Sircar, V Bhargav,
K M Bakshi, I Iqbal, W P Thatte, R B Redkar, R P Parulkar, V V Jadhav , Hari Rao (Vizag),
Gwenda Lewis (Vellore), Satyendra Singh (Delhi), P D Dhameja (Delhi), Mukteshwar Prasad
(Patna) and A T Gokhale (Pune).

The Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists hosted the First Independent Annual National Conference
at Hyderabad in 1965. Prof. Dr. T. C. Gray and Prof. Dr. R. Macintosh from UK attended the first
conference as special invitees of the Government of India.

In 1964 the Silver Jubilee year of the Association of Surgeons of India it was decided
after a lot of deliberation to separate out ISA as an independent association.

The first independent conference of ISA was held in Hyderabad under the Chairman-
ship of Prof. Venkatrao and Presidentship of Dr. R. P. Parulkar of Baroda. Two illustrious
anaesthetists, Prof. Macintosh and Prof. Cecil Gray were present on the occasion.

Silver Jubilee of ISA was celebrated at Madras organised by Dr. T. Srinivasan. The
membership of the society has grown from 19 members in 1947 to 100 in (1955), 2500
(1979) and to over 8000 at present. Life membership was introduced in 1985.

Sub-specialities such as in pain, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Neuroanaesthesia, Clinical
Pharmacology, and Anaesthesia Practitioners Forum were proposed at Vishkhapatnam in
1986.

The Armed Forces Anaesthetists Forum and the All India Railway Anaesthetists Forum
have their annual conferences too.

27

‘‘ … the beginning of Anaesthesia at Bombay

On my first day at KEM Hospital & G.S. Medical College in 1962 , as

I entered the H.O.D Anaesthesia’s office, I saw a framed photograph of the
"Ether Centenary Celebration" prominently placed. I saw a young Thatte
for the first time in it. It was historic because in that meeting in 1946 that
the Indian Society Of Anaeasthetists (ISA) was conceived.The society was
officially formed in 1947. as part of the Association of Surgeons of India.

It is a matter of pride that Dr.Thatte became the Secretary.

I first met Dr. WP Thatte in 1964 at the Silver Jubilee conference of
the Assocation of Surgeons & 17th of ISA. The conference was memorable
one, being the last one with the Surgeons. The highlight of the conference
was the angry exchanges & walkouts at the General Body meeting. There
were two factions - One for continuing with the Surgeons & the other
for separation. Dr.Thatte was among the latter. He along with many of us
staging a walk out.

Subsequently, I used to meet Dr. W P Thatte at every ISA Annual
Conference. He was a soft spoken gentleman who made his point without
noise in the meetings. When we formed the West Zone branch of the ISA in
Mumbai we had his blessings.

I had the privilege & pleasure of delivering thr Dr. W.PThatte oration of
the West Zone Conference at Nagpur."

This was my brief encounter with Dr. W.P. Thatte .

Dr. Vasumathi Divekar
Emeritus Prof of Anesthethesia. DY Patil Medical College Navi Mumbai
Ex ,Prof &head Dept of Anaesthesia. B.Y.L.Nair Hosp & T.N.Medcal college , Mumbai
Ex .President Indian society of anaesthesiologists H.Q {1986}

28

… the beginning of Anaesthesia at Bombay

‘

29

… the wyeth scholarship at London

Dr W P Thatte, was selected for Dr John Alfred
the Wyeth Scholarship in London for
higher learning in the field of Anaes- FFARCS, FFARCSI(Hon), MRCS, LRCP, MMSA, DA
thesia. He spent almost 2 years at
London. Born : 24/02/1906 Death : 27/04/1989

Among other procedures, he came Taunton School, Somerset; University of Durham College of
in contact with Dr Alfred Lee, who Medicine, Newcastle on Tyne, qualifying at the early age of 21
was the pioneer of moving the
Anaesthetist out of the Operating After resident posts at Princess Mary Maternity Hospital and the
Theatre. Royal Victoria Hospital, both in Newcastle. In 1929 Dr Lee bought

This is what Dr Thatte picked up at a share of a general practice in Southend-on-Sea. However, his
London from the teachings of Dr Lee, interest in anaesthesia had started while he was a house surgeon,
Anaesthetic Outpatient Department
and and in 1931 he was appointed GP anaesthetist to Southend
Victoria Hospital, obtaining a similar appointment at the then new
Post Operative Observation Ward
and brought it to Indian Hospitals, General Hospital the following year. During WW2 he became a
way back in the late fifties of the last full-time anaesthetist, working for the Emergency Medical Service
century.
at Runwell Emergency Hospital for 5 years, and in
1947 consultant at Southend General, an appointment

he held until retirement in 1971.

As is shown by the high standard of the many editions of his great text,
‘A Synopsis of Anaesthesia’, Alfred Lee was one of the great polymaths
(arguably the greatest) of anaesthesia (and not just in the UK), but his activities
in several fields stand out. Early in his career he was at the forefront in moving
anaesthetists out of the operating theatre with two British firsts: 1948 – an
Anaesthetic Outpatient Department; 1955 – a Postoperative Observation
Ward, considering this innovation the source of his greatest professional
satisfaction. Later, he was known for his promotion of regional nerve

block techniques, especially spinal anaesthesia, and also his
enthusiasm for the study of the history of the speciality.

He published and lectured widely. He made many contributions to,
and was honoured by the organisations of the speciality.

30

DR W P THATTE AND MRS USHA THATTE ., ALL SET FOR THEIR DEPARTURE FROM BOMBAY FOR LONDON BY BOAC

31

… medical school at Indore

‘ इंदौर में चिकित्सा शिक्षा िी धरोहर - किं ग एड्वर्ड मडे र्िल स्िू ल
यह भवन अगं ्रेजों ने 1848 मंे बनाया था। इसके पहले रेसीडंेसी में अस्पताल चलता था,
लेककन मध्यभारत में चचककत्सा शिक्षा और सुववधाओं की कमी से लोगों की मागं पर
1878 मंे यहां किं ग एर्वर्ड मेडर्िल स्िू ल िुरू किया गया.
1948 मंे के ईएम स्कू ल को एमजीएम मडे डकल कॉलेज में तब्दील कर
ददया गया और स्कू ल की जगह कॉलेज की डडग्री दी जाने लगी.
जबकक इततहासकारों का कहना है 1850 मंे रेसीडेंसी क्षेत्र में डडस्पंेसरी
िुरू की गई थी। मरीजों की सखं ्या बढ़ती गई और डॉक्टरों की कमी
होने लगी. इस समस्या को दरू करने के शलए 1870 में नया भवन
बनाया गया और ककं ग एडवडड मडे डकल स्कू ल िुरू ककया गया.
मुंबई से संबद्धता प्राप्त इस स्िू ल में मडे र्िल ट्रेन गं दी जाती थी.

32

… the beginning of Anaesthesia at Indore

‘‘
Acknowledgement Extract

Hazards in Keratoplasty

RP Dhanda , V K Kalevar
Corneal Surgery Unit & Regional Eye-Bank, MGM Medical College & MY Hospital, Indore, India

Development of this corneal surgery Unit and Regional Eye-Bank, M. G. M. Medical
College, Indore to a respectable status is due to the deep interest of Government of Madhya
Pradesh, support of Director of Health Services, the encouragement by the Dean and the
Superintendent of the Hospital and the co-operation of colleagues and the paramedical staff
of the M Y Hospital, The Chief Anaesthetist Dr. W. P. Thatte has been an invaluable colleague
in this surgery.
The Indian Council of Medical Research by their continued support and the National Council
to Combat Blindness, Inc. New York by their substantial grants - in - aid utilised through the
help of UNICEF and CARE have helped in enquipping this Unit to a high standard.

33

… from his pen

I had the opportunity to teach the subject of Anaesthesia

‘right from the first batch ( which appeared in 1953) as a member of
the college faculty. The subject, then was part of Surgery and
only one question used to be included in one paper of Surgery.

It was therefore very difficult to make the presentation simple
with emphasis on few basic principles of clinical anaesthesia,
during the 10 Lecture series.
In the first 2 - 3 batches, there were

many students who were LMP or LCPS (Diploma holders). They
were called condensed course students. I was confronted with some
pupils who were almost 10 years older than me. I then realized

that they knew nothing about the subject of Anaesthesia
except a bottle of chloroform! It was amusing to see that

the fully trained Anaesthetist was
known as “ CHLOROFORMIST” and treated merely as

licensed Operation Theatre Technicians.

34

… from his pen

‘… Students were very good, illustrious and used to respect their

teachers. Some of them were outstanding in merit. The campus
discipline was of a high order, largely due to very able administra-

tion at the helm of the institution.
The students, however were very smart yet discriminative.
They could easily gauge the qualities of a good teacher. Luckily the
faculty consisted of outstanding teachers, devoted to teaching and

students used to respect them.
The lecture halls were even half empty in those

teachers classes, whom they did not like or
did not come up to their
expectations….

35

INDORE CITY BRANCH OF INDIAN SOCIETY OF ANAESTHESIA

Founded in 1981, ISA Indore City Branch made the vision of
‘bringing all the Anaesthesiologists on one platform’ come to life. At
its core, the initiative was directed at increasing awareness about
Anaesthesia, role of Anaesthesiologists in pre operative hospitalization
period, treatment in ICU / Ward and of course pain management.

A brain child of nine members, Indore City Branch’s foundation
was laid by

Dr. N.S. Ahluwalia, Dr. R.S. Sharma,

Dr. W.P. Thatte, Dr. U. Puranik

Dr. B.V. Vyas, Dr. S.R. Lad

Dr. R.M. Chouthe, Dr. G.S. Agnihotri

Dr. Anil Phatak,

The intent of forming the Indore City Branch was granted approval
in the Hyderabad National Conference held in December 1980.

On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, Indore City
Branch was officially formed.

The launch took shape during athe first meeting held at M.Y.
Hospital. Late Dr. N.S. Ahluwalia and Dr. G.S. Agnihotri were
honoured as the Founder President & Founder Secretary
respectively.

“No discovery ever made in Medicine has proved more beneficial to the
Human race than the discovery of Anaesthesia”

36

Around 25 students of 1950 MBBS batch of our college gathered from all
over the country and celebrated a nostalgic golden jubilee get together on 16th
December, 2000.

They felicitated their teachers Dr. J.N. Pohowalla, Dr. Chamanlal
Nagrath, Dr. W.P. Thatte, Dr. G.C. Sepaha and Dr. N.Dube.

They also went to the houses of Dr. B.B. Ohri and Dr. R.P. Dhanda to
greet them, since these professors were not able to attend the get together due
to their ill health.

It was a touching moment when students having crossed their 60s
felicitated teachers who were in their 80s. Every one present in this histori-
cal get together witnessed an emotional scene of teacher-student relationship.

Dr. G.C. Pahadia, Dr. V. Bobra, Dr. Sitendu Bose Dr. Nakra, Dr. C.S.
Gandhe and Dr. K. Salgia worked together day and night to trace their class-
mates and organise this function.

Dr. P.L. Dhand, Dr. Mrs. S. Bose and Dr. Manohar Bhandari oversaw the
organisation of the programme.

37

38

The SS Chusan was a British ocean liner and
cruise ship, built for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam

Navigation Company's Indian and Far East Service in
1950. She was named after Chusan, a small island off

China
She was built as a replacement for the RMS Viceroy of
India, lost in the Second World War. She was 646.5 feet
(197.1 m) long. The Chusan is said to have brought new
standards of shipboard luxury to India and the Far East.

[2] She was the last passenger liner built for P & O
by Vickers-Armstrongs.

For most of her working life, she carried passengers be-
tween London, Bombay, and Japan, but from 1963 also

operated to Sydney, Australia. In 1973, she retired
from service and was sold to be scrapped at Chou’s Iron

and Steel Company Ltd. in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Dr W P Thatte and Mrs Usha Thatte had the pleasure of returning to
Bombay abroad this Ocean Liner - SS Chusan, leaving on 23 December

1958 having embarked at London.

39

Dear Shantanu Thatte ( s/o Dr Chandra Shekhar Thatte ), was
instrumental in locating the Passenger Manifest on the
Internet and provide it for this Memoir. Kudos !

40

the mail box ….

41

… in our mail box

Dr W.P.Thatte Sir, for all of us, the Anaesthesiologists of Indore was an iconic father figure of
our field of specialization. We learnt variety of skills from our experienced seniors but from the legendary
stature person like Thatte Sir, it was not merely learning, it was like shaping and moulding our personali-
ties.

His life was not merely an inspiration, but it magnetically enabled his students to become like him.
The reason behind this was that he was not only an efficiently qualitative anaesthetist, above and over it,
he had been gem of a human being. Kind hearted, generous and comprehensively desperate always to
help everyone.

In spite of efficacious professionalism, no one ever thought of keeping a competitive outlook
towards such a great person.

In depth, meticulous knowledge of subject, proficient acumen in
practicing anesthesia and keeping an insight vision for upliftment of
subject in medical field, what an unparalleled and unique qualities in one
person. To make it incomparable, generous with contemporaries, ever
ready to help every junior and a sensitive human being. Such combina-
tions in one person was amazing and undoubtedly rarest of rare.

I never had a chance of working with him in OT but
… as a Clinical Secretary, Editor, Secretary and Vice Presi-
dent of ISA Indore City Branch, I had a long and intimate

association with Thatte Sir and I have learnt and
imbibed innumerable qualities from him like sincerity,
punctuality, hard work and dedication.

Moreover, much more significant was, I had learnt an approach, a mindset - how to deal
practical situations, that are not part of any literature and can't be learnt from
anywhere.

His contribution in the life of his students, was both qualitatively and
quantitatively so immense that it cannot be encapsulated to express in words.

Dr Rajendra Bhatnagar
Consultant Anaesthesiologist
Choithram Hospital and Research Centre

Indore

42

… in our mail box

It is a matter of proud privilege for me that blood was sufficient to act as pulse
Dr. Shreya has asked me to write a few oximeter. He has worked with me in
those days when we did not have even a
words about Respected senior Anaesthetist
Late Dr.W.P.Thatte - Nana to those Boyles apparatus and in such
who are near ones. conditions, we have performed many
major surgeries in Bapat Nursing home and
It is in1967 when I came as a new comer Robert's Nursing home where he was
to Indore that I went to see three father figures
treated almost like “Father”
(others were Dr. Gokhale sr and Dr. Thakur).
I met Nana and Ushatai to seek guidance During Surgery I always felt his
about life and practice in the presence like lord Krishna
city of Indore which was
indeed an adventure for me overseeing Arjuna’s efforts!!
because I had no
acquaintances in this city In personal life we came to meet Nana and
nor any routes. Ushatai often. Domestically we were

I found him to be a very kind invited at various functions including Shekhar’s
thread ceremony, all marriages
hearted senior respectable
and even as ‘mehun” for opening ceremony
person at first sight- and this of upper floors of residence.

proved to be true throughout Our invitation letters of marriages of my sons
are in his artistic hand writing.
our association not only
His works of art were a treat to eyes.
professionally but also in personal and even re- He was a lover of music and could always be

tired life. Infact, the last I met him was in seen along with Shri. Nitsure
in any music programme in Indore.
a music programme in Abhay Prashal and
I am glad to know his three able sons and
he had a fall on Yeshwant Club Road daughter in laws are

that day. Later of course in CHL celebrating birth centenary by
bringing out a Memoir.
Apollo ICU.
It is a pleasure to join them and pray to GOD
Professionally when we sought his to rest Nana and Usha tais’ soul in Peace.
appointment, he used to seek patients'
findings, in his halting speech, in details Dr . Vasant C. Bapat
and at times visited patient preoperatively Indore
which in those days was rare. When he was
at the head side of the patient during surgery
I as a surgeon felt reassured about the safety of
my patient in his able hands. Indeed, only

watching the colour of patients'

43

… in our mail box

Dr W P Thatte was a great teacher very loving and affectionate person. He
was my thesis guide during DNB. He gave me full support during that time.
As I was doing DNB, while my son was a toddler; I used to work for 18hrs

a day. This included household work, looking after my kid, working in hospital
and my professional studies.

Whenever I used to go to his house for my queries
regarding thesis, the first thing he would ask was - How are
u ? Have u eaten your meal ? He would ask Shreya mam to
bring some eatables. He used to keep some ready notes for me, so that
I could prepare in the given short time. He had given me so many books
to study and to keep them with me later on. Teachers like him always
remain alive in our memories and thoughts.

Dr Sonal Nivasarkar I miss him a lot even after so many years.
Indore

Sir Thanks….

I first met Dr W P Thatte in 1962 when I was House Surgeon to Dr Ohri
and Dr Chamanlal Nagarath. He always protected the juniors like an elder
brother. I returned in1973 from UK and settled in practice. A lot of my
friends and patients asked me to suggest my colleagues in medicine etc.

The best compliment to Dr Thatte was when they asked me to book
him as Anaesthetist for their surgery.

I was honoured to know and work with this “gentleman doctor “

Dr Harish C Sahni
Indore

44

… in our mail box

I first met respected Dr. Thatte after my MD, as an Anesthesiologist. It was at Indore
Hospital, Dr. G C Pahadia called me to assist him for a case of lobetomy. I reached
the hospital, examined the patient and prepared the drugs. A few minutes
later sir arrived - I told him the patient history, relevant findings and the

drugs prepared by me. He moved round the table checked Blood
Pressure examined the patient. He then asked me where are
drug vials and ampoules, I said discarded in waste bucket, he
took out the ampoules checked and then we started the case.

At coffee time he told me Doctor. you must have felt odd while I rechecked,
I simply said - “No sir”, he then taught me very important lesson - so long
as you are working in Anesthesia do not believe in any body other
then your self, others may innocent ly commit error or may do it

mischievous ly to let you down. Secondly, I recall his starting news letter for
Indore City branch with few practical questions to reply.

Lastly one day he came to my laboratory and asked can I get my
tube well water sample examined at your laboratory, I said I will come at your residence
and collect the sample. He told me it is my job to send sample to you, tell me the correct

method of sample collection.

Salute to a great person and Anesthesiologist. Pranam to Sir...

Dr. M M Neema., He is always in my memory
HOD., RD Gardi Medical College

Indore

45

Dr.Thatte, the name itself br ings back such fond and father ly memor ies.
It seems just days back that I was talking to him and taking advice. 16 long years have passed but
there have always been fond remembrances of him day in and day out. My first interaction with him

was when I joined Choithram Hospital after my M.D.

I was pretty raw at that time, it was he who guided me at every little step. One thing that he was very
keen upon was to become an academician he would always tell me you have to write article , make
publications and speak in conferences. He was there for any assistance needed whether it was in the

from of any advice, any books or any other literature which was needed . If I had a talk,
I would just tell him the topic and he would go over the internet and look into books and take out

reference would come to the hospital with all the books and give it to me.
Such was his love and dedication.

I also had the opportunity to escort him to various conferences and always learnt something from him
on the trip. I was there with him when he was felicitated at the ISA Coimbatore in 2002 being the

only person to attend the first ISA National Conference and the Golden Jubilee Conference. It was
such a proud feeling to be associated with such a great man. I remember so distinctly when

we reached Coimbatore a friend of mine had come and we wanted to go shopping so I thought he
must be tired and should rest but he was very enthusiastic to come along with us for shopping
and he did and thoroughly enjoyed the spree.

He would always tell me look after your family but do not ignore your career, you have to make a
place for yourself in the Anaesthesia field. So what I have achieved today, the credit
goes to him, he was the one who planted the seeds of academics in me.

He was a gem of a person, an excellent anaesthetist and a committed teacher. He is a unforgettable
personality who has left an eternal blazing trail after his passing away. I personally feel he was
a beacon of life for all the Anaesthesiologists pan India.

“And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time..."

Always his student ….

Dr. Meenu Chadha
Indore

46

… in our mail box

AN ODE TO DR. W.P. THATTE

I am honoured to pen a few memories of my association with Dr. W P Thatte.
During my first meeting with him in 1979, our chemistry clicked and it lasted throughout our
tenure in Choithram Hospital. Although, I did not do my training under him for PG, but he was
always my teacher and I his student. In the early days of Choithram Hospital, when we were

developing the Department of Anaesthesia, his advice and suggestions were invaluable.
There was complete freedom for all his junior colleagues to try out new techniques
in our practice of anaesthesia.
We all worked under his protective umbrella. You know how senior well
established surgeons often bully junior Anaesthetists. He was always in the
forefront to save us from many difficult situations when we used to have
differences of opinion with surgeons. He being so senior and well respected, they
used to listen to him. He was our friend, philosopher and guide.
He was not only a competent practitioner of Anaesthesia but also a good
theoretician. He encouraged us to conduct various academic activities. He was the

patron when we hosted the MP State Anaesthesia Conference in Choithram Hospital
in 1984. We had no problem getting faculty to conduct workshops because many of these
stalwarts were his students. Professor M T Bhatia, one of his illustrious students, enjoyed

coming to Indore time and again for regional Anaesthesia and pain relief workshops.

In all respects he was a complete teacher and inculcated lots of
positive values in us. I remember him with gratitude on this 100th year

of his birth anniversary on 3rd October 2020.

He was a thorough gentleman and I am sure his soul is resting in peace….

Dr . K G Vijayan
Indore

47

… in our mail

Late Dr WP Thatte, or “Nana”, as we all called him had a profound influence in my life.
Though I met him much later in my medical college phase and got to know him through Nanda, his
reputation as a stern yet thorough medical professional preceded him.

He along with late “Aai”, was instrumental in my wedding with late Janaki and till the time
she was alive the Thatte family treated her as their own; surely these were values imbibed by
Nana.

Till date there are dinner table conversations at my home where invariably memories of Aai-Nana
surface and the kids talk of them frequently . It may be noted that the kids as well as me developed a
greater understanding of him once Aai departed because he was a man of such few words but when
he did open up ; he had a soft, warm mannerism about him.

Wherever he is, I hope he approves of how we have led our lives ...

Dr. B K Sharma
Indore

Remembering Sir with respect….
I did not get that much opportunity to see him at work but whatever little I saw filled me with
respect for his meticulousness and deeply insightful knowledge.
He was the doyen of anesthesia at Indore. A great human being and a teacher by word
and also by example.
With heartfelt respect ,

Dr Yeshomati Rupayana,
Indore

48

… in our mail box

We used to attend Dr Thatte’s lectures 1964. There were ten lectures, surgical
during our undergraduate studies in demonstrations of as many types of cornea
1959 – 60. I had known him and Ushatai, surgery as possible, experimental surgical
during the rehearsals of a play at his quarters practice on goat eyes, clinical ward rounds
in K E H Campus. The play that Ushatai and formed a busy schedule for the two weeks
I was together for the 1957 Congress course. Dr Thatte and Dr Dhanda planned
session in Laxmibai Nagar, Indore. Colonel the entire programme in detail.
Gupte from Delhi was here for the same.
Dr Thatte along with Ushatai were fond of
I really got to know him when I joined theatre and were members of Natya Bharti’s
Ophthalmology as a House Surgeon in group called Little Theatre at Indore. Their
presence at each performance was noticed,
1960. He was our favorite whether the play was at Gandhi Hall,
Anaesthetist in Corneal Surgery, Nandlalpura theatre or at Bada Ravla.
which we had to do at odd hours
depending on availability of We remember Nana and Ushatai with
donor eyes. He asked me to read fond affection, gratitude and respect that
from Stallards’s book “Qualities of few persons in today’s world deserve.
an Ophthalmic Assistant”. It goes to show
that he read a lot of things which were out- Dr .Vasundhara Kalevar
side of his own speciality. Indore

Coffee time in Dr Dhanda’s office used to
be an interval of relaxation for Dr Thatte,
Dr HSD Sharma and Dr Sepaha in their
busy morning schedule in Optho OPD. The
first comprehensive Corneal training courses
for senior ophthalmologists was in August

49

… reading was a passion

50