test book

… in our mail box

I was introduced to Thatte Sir in October 1996, by During my journey in medical college I yearned for
my senior colleague Dr. Meenu Chadha, when I joined encouragement though there were times when I was
Choithram Hospital & Research Center, Indore. made to feel I was not good enough. Sir Thatte was an
epitome of inspiration for me in research and scholar-
Having just finished my MD at Bhopal, I was too ship as well as a person in me. It was something I was
excited to do my best in Anesthesiology and also to longing for! I developed a great respect for him as
explore interesting research ideas. I had a special my professional “Guru and Mentor.” Culturally at
affinity for participating in conferences and for that I home it is ingrained in us to respect our teachers
knew I had to develop my research and communication and elders.
skills so I could feel comfortable interacting with eminent
scientists at conferences. Thatte Sir, was very kind in Here he was my Guru ! I deeply cared for his
encouraging and supporting my endeavors. Later I well being with all my heart! Over time he became a
came to realize that he genuinely loved sincere efforts close dearest friend as well. Like my parents, he would
by young professionals like me to sharpen their skills also express worries for my marriage.
and grow in their careers. His support was sort of a
boon come true for me! I did not hesitate to avail the I for one strongly believe in the saying “nothing
happens at random and destiny is pre-ordained” but
benefit of his knowledge, lifelong my faith shattered when I heard the sad news of his
experience and wisdom. I would fall and hospitalization. I had just landed in the
discuss my research with him and
he would give me many ideas and city of Bombay for my U.S. immigrant visa that
also edit and make corrections in my
manuscripts and presentations. day.

His support, guidance and love are with me

to this day and will be forever!

I had a special interest in regional Dr .Sandhya Gupta ( Agrawal)
anesthesia. Luckily motivated from Indore
Dr. Shobha Chamania, Breast Surgeon, I asked Thatte
Sir, if he had some material on regional anesthesia for
breast surgery, as always he indeed did. He gave me
a book on Retro Mammary block by Dr. Vishnevsky
a Russian scientist. I adored the book, as it turned out
to be very important and rewarding for my research on
this topic.. Thatte Sir, was a treasure trove of scien-
tific knowledge!

51

52

53

… in our mail box I remember Dr Thatte with great affection. I was
always impressed by his personality, which
There are many wonderful memories of demanded respect wherever he went - although
our respected Uncle - Dr.W.P.Thatte he was very humble and soft spoken.
Saheb.
I was neither his student nor a relative. In 1987,
The most unforgettable I was a newcomer to Indore, a very young junior
one is of tears flowing from doctor in Choithram Hospital. Sir gave me
his beautiful and wise Anesthesia for my Caesarian Section, probably
eyes. This happened an year because my husband was Shekhar's friend. On 3rd
before he left us. I was or 4 th day, Dr Thatte visited me in the hospital, sat
visiting him and there were with me for some time and very gently told me that
just the two of us. I was a I need to take high protein diet, my abdominal mus-
little disturbed and he cles are too thin. Imagine a professor of his stature
noticed it and asked the taking pains to visit a new doctor, outside duty
reason. On the way to his hours, wishing her well and advising her.
residence in Yeshwant
Colony, I saw two 5 - 6 years Whenever he needed to talk, he could have
old rag pickers eating rotting food from a just called me and I would have gone running to
garbage bin. his chamber and talked to him but he would take
On seeing this our kind and large pains to visit me in my department. He would visit
hearted Thatte Uncle's nature was vividly me to enquire about Dr. Shreya's well-being, after
visible and suddenly tears rolled down I had done her sonography during her pregnancy.
from his expressive eyes.
Such compassionate was our I will always remember his gentle and soft
respected Uncle. He was a role model for spoken persona.
not only his son's alone but for all of us
as well - his son's friends too.
We feel privileged that we were ex-
posed to such a personality. He is always
near us, just a thought away. Our sincere
regards to Thatte Uncle.

Dr. Anil Tyagi Dr. Suneeta Gokhale
Indore Indore

54

TWO YEAR STAY IN LONDON, UNDER THE WYETH SCHOLARSHIP - TO LEARN THE BEST
OF ANAESTHESIA, MUST HAVE BEEN EXHILIRATING FOR DR W P THATTE AND OFCOURSE FOR

MRS USHA THATTE, WHO ENJOYED HER JOB AT THE INDIAN CONSULATE IN LONDON.
THEY WOULD HAVE SHARED STORIES OF THIS OUTING AND STAY IN UK .

WE AS CHILDREN THEN RELISHED THE MANY SOVINIERS THAT CAME BACK IN OUR LAP INCLUDING
GADGETS FOR THE HOUSE. WE DO HAVE SOME VIVID MEMORIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF
THEIR VISIT TO THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE.

SAILING BACK TO BOMBAY LEAVING LONDON ON THE 23 DECEMBER 1958 ON BOARD S S CHUSAN
X MAS ON BOARD P & O LINER - S S CHUSAN MUST HAVE
BEEN GREAT CELEBRATION !

S S CHUSAN

55

Dr. W. P. Thatte – an Eminent Teacher

For someone who shared many memories and touched many Indore.Dr. P. Kumar (Jamnagar) was the first recipient of this
lives for almost a century, there’s nothing better than showing honour. Dr W. P. Thatte Life Time Achievement Award was start-
your true appreciation for all he has done. There are some people ed in year 2007 by Indore City Branch of ISA . Dr B. V. Vyas was
who leave an indelible mark on your heart even after they depart the first Anaesthesiologist of Indore to receive this honour.
- Dr W. P. Thatte was one such great person.
My memories go as back as 1996 while attending evening
Dr Thatte was Lecturer and later Reader and Head of Anaes- academic tea meeting every Thursday at Apsara Hotel to discuss
thesia division of M. G. M. Medical College, Indore from 1952 to the interesting cases. I found him thorough gentleman, very po-
lite, knowledgeable and a great teacher. He was very punctual.
1970 and then he was transferred During the organizing committee meeting, he used to come sharp
to Gandhi Medical College, at 6 rather before that. Many a times I was delayed due to some
Bhopal as Professor of reasons but he used to welcome all with a smile.
Anaesthesia. After his retire-
ment, he joined Choithram A small example of his greatness I remember is that in a post
Hospital, Indore and played a workshop meeting it was found that there was a shortage of
pivotal role in developing Rs 4000. Eight core members were present. He said nothing
to worry, we all the core members will contribute five hun-
academic environment and dred each and in a fraction of second the issue was re-
establishing DNB course in solved. I consider myself to be lucky and proud. I say this
Anaesthesia there. He has tower of strength, knowledge and because I have had a chance to be associated with such a
ethics. He was a warm hearted person who took interest in every- great person.
one’s problem whether professional or personal. He was a fatherly
figure of Anaesthesia fraternity of Indore. He was a teacher to A person with wisdom and integrity,
many surgeons also! very humble and noble, Dr. W. P. Thatte will
always be remembered as an excellent doctor,
He was first Anaesthesiologist to start private practice in eminent Anaesthesiologist, dedicated teacher,
Indore and played a crucial role in establishing the identity of the true academician and above all a great human
Anaesthesia in the society. He played a crucial role not only in being …
reviving ISA Indore City Branch in 1996 but also maintaining it
with all his valuable suggestions as patron of the society. Under Dr K K Arora,
his able guidance, MP State conference of ISA was a great success
and later many CMEs and Workshops were organized under his Professor and HOD Anaesthesia
supervision. When I was Hon Secretary of ISA M.P. state branch MGM Medical College and M Y Hospital, Indore
(1999-2002), Best City Branch Award was started in his name for
the city branches of Madhya Pradesh. Indore City Branch of ISA
was declared as best city branch in year 2002 at the MPISACON
held at Gwalior. In the year 2006, Dr W. P. Thatte Memorial
Oration was started in West Zone conference of ISA organized at

56

57

… in our mail box difference for me to work in a private set up,
mostly ill equipped, after having worked in a
After my marriage in 1984, I shifted to Indore, premier institute of the country. Dr Thatte guid-
which was a totally new place for me. Not having ed me about the basics of working in small set
lived, studied or graduated from here, I was a ups.
total outsider. Incidentally, in a branch like Later when I joined Bombay Hospital, I found the
Anaesthesia, outsiders were not very welcome. same teaching was just as useful !
Indore hardly had any big hospitals that time and He was a very calm, grounded person, having a
the practice of Anaesthesia, outside MYH, was cool collected temperament and a clear and
mostly Nursing Home based. I did not know any perfect understanding of the subject. He updated
Surgeon or Gynaecologist and did not know from himself constantly. Totally committed to his pro-
where to start. I did not know as to who will give fession, he never took any short cuts, and worked
me a break. There was no concept of a lady for betterment of subject, patients, Anaesthesia
anaesthetist in private practice then. In fact, Society in Indore. He arranged regular clinical
there was none. Most of the people I met, in- meetings and would pass on notes to all the
cluding a lot of senior Surgeons and Gynaecol- juniors and students.
ogists, were sceptical of this idea and dissuaded
me from starting private practice. The situation Besides being a good anaesthesiologist, he
was quite disheartening and depressing. was a great and kind-hearted person.

At this time someone introduced me to Dr W P I owe a lot to him.
Thatte. He took me under his wing, till I could
establish my own practice. In Dr Thatte, I found On his 100th Birth Anniversary, I remember him
a mentor, a guru and a guide. with immense gratitude.

Recently I was reading a book – Dr. Jyoti Raje
The Checklist Manifesto Indore
written by a Surgeon. I was
instantly reminded of Dr Thatte 58
Sir and his meticulous
approach to the subject.

Sisters and Staff at Roberts
Nursing Home, Indore were
thoroughly trained by him and
had become experts in OT
management under his guidance. It was a big

It is proud privilege to remember and honour our beloved teacher Dr W. P. Thatte.

He has inspired and guided me throughout my life. After passing MBBS In 1959 from MGM
Medical College, Indore, I joined residency in surgery. During the very first month of my
residency, he inspired Me to switch to residency in Anaesthesia. His sound advice to me to
leave Indore and pursue post graduation in Grant Medical College in Mumbai, could only
come from an experienced teacher like Dr W.P. Thatte. In 1961 he inspired me to leave In-
dore and pursue my career in Anaesthesia at Ahmedabad.

His guidance to pursue training and studies In Pain and Palliative care during my fellowship
in U.K. in 1972 was the most important mile stone of my career and formation of ISSP &
IAPC in India. His practical advice that Hospice care for terminal cancer patients can be con-
tinued by families at Home in India Guided me in my lectures at W.H.O and during construc-
tion of Hospice at Ahmedabad. His experienced advise was sought by me in 1969, when I
was elected National Secretary and Treasurer of Indian Society of Anesthetists for 3 years.

During diwali Visit to Indore the idea of forming ISA branches at city and state level was
discussed. That was the greatest booster in membership drive of ISA in 1970s.
Thus my whole career in Anaesthesia, Pain and Palliative care was inspired, guided and
molded by My beloved teacher Dr W. P.Thatte.

I salute him and pay homage to his sweet memories.

Dr. M.T. Bhatia, M.D., D.A. Ex-Professor of Anaethesia, B.J. Medical College and HOD in Anaesthesia,

GCRI Cancer Hospital, Ahmedabad., Chief Anaesthetist GRMI Rajasthan Hospital , Ahmedabad .

59

My sincere tribute to late honorable Dr W.P. with him. He was a visiting faculty for the DNB
Thatte on his Centennial Birth Anniversay. As I program and provided all students with great
saw and knew him, I am giving my views of him. insights, gladly Dr Harsha was my first DNB stu-
I have known Dr Thatte since I joined Choithram dent who also passed with flying colors and dr
Hospital in 1979, we were just 5 anaesthetist, Thatte had a big hand in this.
Dr Thatte, Dr Chauthe, Dr Lokhande, Dr. Vijian
and myself. Dr Thatte was a renowned name in Dr.Thatte was blessed with a well educated,
the world of Anesthesiology and I aspired to down to earth and very humble family. We had
work with him while doing my M.S. in Bhopal. great time whenever we met his family. Mrs
Thatte was a very charming lady and both
I was elated when I first met him in June complimented each other. Their 3 sons are
1979. He was a true gentleman with a charming carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Thatte and
personality and helped the junior doctors in have achieved great feat in their respective
every possible way. As we worked together, careers. I have personally worked with his
I learned a lot from him, we discussed our younger son Dr Shekhar and his wife Dr Shreya
thoughts and he mentored me in my journey Thatte. Shekhar truly resonates all the imbibed
towards academia. He used to provide me with characteristics of his father as he is certainly
a lot of anesthesiology journals. I distinctly very meticulous and up to date on current
remember my first paper presentation when trends in medical innovations. I also vividly
Dr Thatte encouraged and asked me to present remember meeting his other two sons who also
it during the national anesthesia conferences, have great personalities.
that laid a strong foundation and because of
Dr Thatte's encouragement and faith in me this I will always remember Dr Thatte as a very
became a routine and over the next few years, cordial and learned man. He not only taught us
he mentored me to present various papers at medical lessons but inspired us to be good
different conferences. human beings. He was able to create a very
close team of anesthetists who are still
Dr Thatte deserves all the credit for shaping connected with each other like a family. This
my academic career. I remember that he used won’t have been possible without Dr Thatte.
to always attend the Indore City Anesthesia
meets and used to provide very informative I wish his family all the success and
scientific remarks to conclude the meeting. happiness.
We had a great camaraderie, and I feel lucky
to have worked along side him in many
many complex cases and learn a lot from
him. As time went along Dr Chadha, Dr Harsha
and ofcourse Dr Sandhya joined our team under
the apt supervision of Dr Thatte. At that time
Dr Thatte used to teach all of us and we have
so many memories of great class discussions

Dr. Vivek Palsule

Indore

60

A TOKEN OF REMEMBRANCE

My first acquaintance with respected When I look back into the past, all the fond

Nana was on the day when Respected Sau memories of dear Nana fall back as a flash

Aai and Nana had come to my grandfather back, just like a movie reel. Wherever Sarang

Shri V G Apte’s house at Indore. It was early was posted, Aai and Nana would surely make

1982 and they were visiting our parental house it a point to visit us, stay with us and make our

at Narayan Bagh to get introduced to me and lives memorable. The care and fondness that

the family. The Thatte’s were on a typical both bestowed upon us was visible in their

“Kande Pohe” - syndrome in bride selection actions. Dear Aai and Nana with their utmost

meet. They came looking for a prospective wit and humor would enliven the ambience of

bride for their second son Sarang – then a Chaitanya. Whatever time I spent at Indore,

Captain in the Corps of Signals, undergoing a may it be just after our marriage for a month ,

course of instruction at Mhow. My grand father they would look after me as they would do for

was a well known their daughter with personal attention and

figure of Indore, a utmost comfort.

Civil Engineer by Dear and respected Nana, gained popularity
profession and had due to his profound knowledge of varied
anchored his family subjects with his friends as well as in his
at Indore for a few meticulous professional life; which certainly
decades ! That day, was significant. He was an inspiration for every
the entourage generation, be it young or old and not to forget
climbed the 23 steps his influence on his children and grandchildren
and settled down in too in imbibing his good virtues.
the drawing room.
Their fauji son was Although he was a strict disciplinarian, there
was an emotional and sensitive side to his
OUR FAUJI ABODE AT AMBALA CANTT with them. Then

came the moment of persona too. It reflected in his dealings with the
my entry into the family gathering. I recollect I staff / helpers at home and professionally.

was with mixed feelings then as I had no clue I was rather fortunate to have both of them -
of the life in Army, so was not sure how to Dear Nana and Sau Aai in my life and would
converse with doctor / fauji parents ! Yet, I love to have them in my next birth too, as their

must confess that I was overwhelmed the love and affection was a huge treasure for a

moment I saw Respected Nana, his smile and daughter in law !

charisma said everything about his piousness.

Smita Thatte

61

DR W P THATTE : AGE COULDN’T STOP HIM !

“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.” – Unknown

Among all other privileged ones contributing to this book, probably Dr Thatte had an amazing desire to constantly learn and keep

I am the one who knew Dr W P Thatte the least. Had an opportunity himself updated. Age couldn’t stop him. Every month he would buy

to devour the aureole of his persona during my post graduation days a new book for himself, first let me read it, and then read it from

at CHRC and thereafter till his death. My first encounter with Nana cover to cover, even after the age of eighty. The “session” after he

( as I call him) was as a PG student. Naïve and unacquainted with the read the book always ended up in tremendous brainstorming.

Society of Anesthesiologists of Indore, I was then struggling to find He actually taught me how and what to read in a book. He was the

my place in the world of Anesthesia. I don’t know what he found in one who introduced me to the Indore City Chapter of ISA and

me, from the first meeting itself, showed lot of trust in my caliber bridged the gap between theory and practical clinical anesthesia.

and offered unconditional and relentless help with all the academic An academician and a committed doctor, he pioneered the modern

resources and guidance. Whether it be presenting a seminar, or day anesthesia in our city. It is to his credit that nursing homes of

writing a dissertation, finding the right resource to even lending me Indore began the journey of minimum mandatory monitoring

expensive books and journals, reading for exams or preparing for standards and safety norms. Till the last days he was busy proof

academic meets, Dr Thatte would provide the essentials and then reading articles, guiding upcoming authors and students with

grill me through the subject. supportive evidence and literature. Dr Thatte encouraged research,

My teacher was so involved in my studies and post graduation, challenged students with questions, tickled their minds and
almost going all over the PG course with me; I declared my result to awakened the “scientist’ in them.

him before I did to my mother. I could feel tears of joy roll down his He taught by example. He spread his vision of standard of anesthesia

old cheeks as he congratulated me and thanked God for it. I could services in the city and beyond, by a constant untiring effort of

not resist crying like a baby that moment, because my revered encouraging community academic events. Nishcetna, a compilation

teacher believed in me - I never gave up! from his latest research of any topic, was a much sought after

In a very short time of knowing him, I had almost become his newsletter in our society. He would work hard to look into a relevant
“little baby”. He was not only a mentor to me, but a guiding force, and recent topic, read it to depths, collect relevant literature,
a path to follow, a source of strength and a shoulder to cry on. He
was a sounding board to me. I will never forget that to attend my compile, get it printed at his own expense, and bring the copies to
pre-wedding ceremony, he rushed through the function of his the meeting to distribute among students and clinicians. Whatever
” Life Time Achievement Award Function”, the highest honor new he learnt, he had to share. Me and my seniors wished that he
conferred on to any anesthesiologist by the Indian Society of
Anesthesiologists, and flew to Indore, heading straight to the hotel . publish a book of his own, but time did not give us such an
Never before would the world have seen a teacher give up the opportunity. To keep his vision going, we have pledged to
continue publishing his newsletter, which now has become the

official newsletter of the MP Chapter of the ISA.

honor and magnanimity he would have received that day among Thank you Nana for being there ; a teacher, a driving force,

thousands of colleagues, just to emotionally support to a student ! a warm and gentle fatherly figure, a visionary, a pioneer in bringing

a radical change in the way Anesthesia was administered,

and for being Nana !

Dr Harsha Desai Phulambrikar,
Indore

62

ितै न्यािे उत्िषड ...

डॉ श्रेया चा फोन आला, म्हणाली यदं ा नानां ची जन्मिती आहे, त्या सापर्ला आणण ह्या ी न णडय घते ला. एका सत्िील माणसा कडू न
तनशमत्य आम्ही स्मरणणका छापणार आहोत, तर नाना संबंधी तुमच्या आधार शमळालाय हा चागं ला कौल आहे, आपण इंदरू ला जायाच आणण
कडे एकाधी आठवण असली तर शलहून पाठवा. माझं मन लागलीच आम्ही इंदरू ला आलो.
भूत काळात गेलं. १९६५ - ६६ साला वर, तेंव्हा आम्ही ददल्लीला होतो,
नातू साहेब आककड टेक्ट कानववदं े हयांच्या कडे नोकरी करत करत पाहता पाहता २ - ३
वास्तू िास्त्राचे धडे पण घते होत.े पण आम्हाला ततथे राहायचे नव्हते वर्ड गेली, काम उत्तम
तर स्वत: च्या गावी इंदरू ला यायचे होते व इथे येऊन गतीनी चाललं होत,ं एक
आकीटेकचरल प्रॅक्क्टस करायची होती.
एक ददवस डॉ
पण येऊ िाम शमळणार िा ? आणण ते िंे व्हा साहेब आले
शमळणार ? घर िालवण्या इतपत इन्िम ििी सुरू आणण म्हणाले - "नातू, तुमच्या कडे आकीटेक्चर च्या
होणार ? िाहीि अंदाज येत व्हता, कितीतरी रात्री डडग्री चा कागद असेल नं, तो फ्रे म करून ऑफीस
आम्ही िाय िरावे, घ्यावी िा अधं ारात उर्ी ह्या मध्ये लावा, काहीं लोकं अप्रचार करत आहेत की,
ववषयावर मंथ िरत असो. अचानक एके ददविी इंदरू तब्बल तीन वर्े ददल्लीला नोकरी के ली आणण येऊन
हून एक पोस्टकाडड आलं नेटक्या िब्दात शलदहलेले ते पत्र सांगतात की मी आकीटेक्ट झालो.”
आम्हाला संजीवनी देऊन गेलं. डॉ डब्ल्यु पी थत्ते हयानी नातू ऑफीसच्या श तं ी वर लागलीि डर्ग्री िी फ्रे म
साहेबाना शलदहलेल्या त्या पत्रातला मजकू र अगदी नेमका होता.
लागली. ह्या ी जंेव्हा एम जी रोर् वर ऑफीस शिफ्ट िे लं
"मी यिवतं िॉलो ीत प्लॉट घते ला तेंव्हा क्लायटं म्हणू उषाताइ ां उद्घट ाला बोलावल होत्त.ं
आहे, नतथे मला घर बाधं ायिे आहे, ते
तुम्ही बाधं ाव अिी आमिी इच्छा आहे, त्या दोघाचं ी जोडी आमच्या समोर आदिड होती. ऋवर् तलु ्य
जर तुम्ही इंदरू ला येणार असलात तर व्यक्क्तमत्व म्हणजे काय, हयाचं साक्षात उदाहरण म्हणजे नाना !
िळवा, मी दो वषड सुद्धा थाबं ायला
तय्यार आहे.” अंधारात आिेिा किरण माझ्या कडू न त्यानां ही आदराजं ली ...

पद्मजा ातू

( १७ यिवतं िॉलो ी येथील ितै न्य हे थत्ते िु टुंबांिे घर आिीटेक्ट
स्वगीय श्री िे व्ही ातू ह्या ी बाधं ले होत,े यांच्या पत् ी पदमजा

ातू ह्यांिे म ोगत )

63

I was able to re-establish my contact with … in our mail boxThe success story of this operation

Nana mama after a long gap of more than 20 years, established the credentials and
when in 1964, I came to Birlagram, Nagda to work helped in building reputation for this
with Grasim Industries, where I continued to work hospital in the surrounding region. Not to
until 1991.
forget Dear Nana mama’s contribution in this
Though Birlagram was set up as a superb
surgery was priceless.
industrial township, and it gave me immense
Nearly 20 years later, Dr. Chandrashekhar,
opportunity to grow professionally, yet the medical his son, too started coming to the same hospital as
facilities remained practically non - existent for
a visiting Urologist, greatly benefitting the local
many years to come, despite
patients in need of his super
hosting a large workforce
specialisation.
and their families. People
On a personal level, Nana
had to visit nearby places
mama’s continual medical and
like Ratlam, Ujjain or Indore
familial advice to all of us, namely
for medical help. We chose
Surekha, Anand, Amitabh and
to come to Indore because
myself was beyond compare. The
of Nana mama.
fine combination of his calm and
In 1970, Grasim
erudite responses, balanced
management completed
perfectly with the contagious
the construction of a
exuberance of Urmila (nee
modern hospital at Nagda
Usha) mami is something that we
and Dr. D.R. Sonar, FRCS,
will never forget. A distant second
was incharge of this
“couple”, in reel life though, would
hospital. Within a few
be the iconic pair from the hit TV
weeks itself, a patient from a nearby Chaumela vil- series “the Bob Newhart Show”.
lage, got himself admitted with severe abdominal

pain. He was diagnosed as having a huge benign In this year, 2020, we all pay our respects

tumor in his abdominal cavity. Dr. Sonar decided to to him and cherish the fond memories of our

operate on him at this hospital itself and he fondest association with him. Even today, if we

requested the Surgeon Dr. V C Bapat and the were to visit Indore, our first choice would

Anesthetist Dr.W P Thatte, both from Indore, to naturally be to stay at CHAITANYA in South

join him for this major surgery. The operation was Tukoganj.

successful and tumor weighing about 30 kgs was

removed from the patient’s abdomen ! Kishore Bapat,

Pune

64

Hindsight 2…02i0n our mail box

My earliest, faintest memory of Ajoba is getting dropped His room, still imprinted in my mind, the radio, writing

to my nursery in his Fiat. Although I clearly remember sitting desk, the cupboards and his various specific paraphernalia. His

atop his shoulders sometime in my childhood and playing tabla writing remains a fixture in my memories. His scribble of a signa-

on his balding head, in front of company, might I add. He had a ture always fascinated me.

particular cream that he would regularly apply that would have He passed away when I was 9 years old, too young to
a particular smell. He was a persona of habit, always trim and understand what a great man he was. I feel cheated by my age in
proper, always the gentleman.
not knowing him to the extent others in my family

He was stubborn too, as all Thatte men are. could. There were so many things I discovered

I think if scientists ever want to isolate a genetic about him after he left us. His journey from Arvi to

component for stubbornness, our family should be Indore, his travels in Europe, his graduation from

the prime candidates. He was independent till the KEM, his time in Nagpur, his carefully curated

very end, going out on walks on his own, relying letters and journals, his practice as an workaholic

only on his walking stick for support. I do not Anesthesiologist and a Professor. His importance

remember a single day that this 80+ year old man on education, discipline and family have infused

had fallen ill or was incapacitated by his age. throughout the clan and that is his true lasting

His diet and daily routines are well controlled and legacy. The patriarch who made us all who we are

fixed and his values set in stone. today, rests now not only in our memories but also

Ajoba was an immovable force of nature. in our achievements and our actions and of the

And yet move he did. There have been thousands of people that were fortunate enough
many moments of frustration that the youngest member of a to have been touched by him.

family faces during his childhood. During a fundraising event for For some, he was Nana, others Dr. WP Thatte. For me, he was

Help Age India in our school, my elder brother Shantanu could just Ajoba. He was a torchbearer for all of us and his life and his

cycle around and visit homes of his friends and acquaintances sacrifices remain a guiding light for all of us.

and ask for donation. Me, being 5 year younger, didn’t have the

same freedoms and with working parents and a busy household,

could only go around my neighborhood for the same. Ajoba In hindsight, I see so much of him in Baba, Kaka, Dada and
saw this and donated Rs. 500 (which was a big amount at I wish I can emulate him in some meaningful way. I don’t
that age) in Nanda Kaka’s and Sarang Kaka’s name. I remem-
ber there was a drawing competition in St Raphael’s one know what he thought of me, a mischievous monkey
at that time, but I hope he would have been proud of all

Sunday morning around the time when my parents were in that I am today…. We miss you Ajoba ...

the US. I was so excited that I could barely sleep and woke

up with Ajoba at 5am for an 8 am reporting time.

Dr Sharvil Thatte
Nagpur

65

66

… in our mail box

My memories of Thatte Sir

A doyen in Anaesthesia in my college days in M.G.M. Medical College, Indore. My association with him started in
childhood because his second son Sarang & I were batchmates & very good childhood friends & lived in the same
neighbourhood.

Dr. Thatte, a very clear headed, sincere, well trained anaesthesiologist was a man of few
words, was very meticulous & had his own mental checklist of things in the operation theater. He used to
prefer doing a pre-anaesthetic checkup of the patient scheduled for surgery. He saw all the reports &
made notes on the case file.

He had made a system of checking the injections, laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes,
Ryle's tube, Urinary Catheter, OT lights, Oxygen Supply, Suction Apparatus all by himself before
he began to give anaesthesia. He made sure that sufficient oxygen & nitrous oxide gas cylinders
were available.

I used to go to Roberts Nursing Home, Indore to assist my senior teachers & surgeons.
Only one of them was senior to Dr. Thatte. Now this particular surgeon was a well known
surgeon of Indore but was used to putting in very few & far off stitches in closing the surgical
wound. After the surgery Dr. Thatte would with a smile on his face ask me to put in
few more stitches in between the previous ones to efficiently close the wound. With
Dr. Thatte inside, nobody could talk loudly in the operation theater & Dr. Thatte would never
never leave the patient alone or do two cases at the same time. I never found him coming late on his cases.

A very well behaved person, would speak only when required & would even give a piece of advice in his
own way,if the surgeon was quite junior. I do not remember him scoulding anyone in public. He would even go to see
the patient the next day of operation. Such was his concern & involvement.

If he found anything out of order, he would not start the anaesthesia. He was one of the few
anaesthesiologist who charged the syringes himself with the necessary drug & did not leave it to the nurses or assistant.
He made sure not to scatter any broken glass pieces on the floor & he always cut the neck of the injection over a bucket
or a sheet of cloth.

He maintained the same health for years together, never adding much to his waist.

His eldest son Nanda was 4 yrs my senior, Sarang was with me & Chandra Shekhar was junior to me.
Both Nanda & Chandra Shekhar are urologist & maintain high professional ethics.

Dr. SUNIL GUPTA Dr. W.P. Thatte was a rare gem for M.G.M. Medical College, Indore.

M.S.,M.A.M.S., Ex M.G.M.M.C Indore I pay my homage on his centenary.

67

68

मागड दििड , ववश्वासू व मेह ती व्यक्ती : र्ॉ वासुदेव परिरु ाम थत्ते

- व्ही जी पांर्े

स्व. र्ॉ वासदु ेव परिरु ाम थत्ते हयांचा जन्म प्रगती करेल. ध्येय िनू ्य माणूस रस्ता ककतीही
ददनांक ०३ - १० - १९२० साली ववदभाडतील गाव - गुळगुळीत असला तरी कु ठे ही पोहचानार नाही. मेहनती
आवी ( महाराष्ट्र - राज्य ) येथे प्रा:त काळी मध्यम ने प्रगती पथा वर पढु े येऊन आपले व्यक्क्तत्व व कतवड ्य
वगीय कु टुंबात झाला. यिस्वी होण्या साठी जास्त प्रस्थावपत के ले. वरील तत्वाने आपले संपणू ड जीवन
अडचणी ना हलाखीच्या पररक्स्थतीनां सामना करून जगले. कु टुंबातील प्रत्येक लहान मोठ्या सदस्याचे सवड
प्रततकू ल पररक्स्थतीवर मॅट करून चतै न्य, १७ यिवतं मादहती ठे वीत असत व सुख दखु ाची सामना करण्याची
कॉलोनी इंदरू येथे स्थातयक झाले. स्वतः च्या जीवनाचा तायरी किी असावी हया बद्दल सवानड े मनोबल वाढवून
स्तर स्वतः च्या महे नती ने उं चवण्याची तनवववड ाद आलेल्या पररक्स्थतीिी सामना करण्याचे मागदड िनड करत
योग्यता माणसा जवळ आहे या पके ्षा दसु री प्रेरणादायी असत. " माणसू पररक्स्थतीची तनशमतड ी नाही: पररक्स्थती
गोष्ट्ट स्व. नाना साहेब थत्ते हयानी शसद्ध करून माणसाची तनशमतड ी आहे" हा संदेि भावी पीढी साठी
दाखववली आहे. डॉ वा प थत्ते, हयाचं ्यािी माझा सबं धं ठे वून त्यानं ी जगाचा तनरोप ददनांक ८ - ४ - २००४
ततन्ही स्वरुपात म्हणजे व्यक्क्ति: , व्यवसाय, सेवा रोजी घेतला.
न वतृ ्त आला असून त्याचे वणनड खाली देण्याचा प्रयत्न २. व्यवसाय : अततिय यिस्वी लोकाना जो वगे ळे पणा
करीत आहे. मला वेलो वेळी ददसत आला तो म्हणजे त्यांची काम
करण्याची अमयादड दत क्षमता. १९७० ते १९८० या दिकात
१. व्यक्क्ति: - स्व. नानासाहेब हयांचे ववचार साधे सोपे स्वतः डॉ नाना साहेब हे आपल्या व्यवसायात आती
व पररक्स्थती ला अनुरूप होत.े " माणसं योगायोगान,े व्यस्त असत. इंदरू िहरात त्या काळात फार कमी
नशिबान,े ककं वा अपघाताने यिस्वी होत नाहीत" त्या प्रमाणात सवड सुववधा युक्त दवाखाने उपलब्ध होते. नाना
साठी तनक्चचत धेय, इच्छा िक्क्त, आदिड ववचार, दृष्ट्टी साहेबानं ी समाजातील आचथकड दृष्ट््या कमजोर व्यक्तीनं ा
कोण, ववचवास कृ ती, महे नत, चचकाटी, आलेल्या संधी चा मदाद के लेली आहे. इंदरू िहरात त्या काळात एक ही
वळे ेनसु ार योग्य उपयोग करावा म्हणजे व्यक्ती जीवनात दवा खाना असा नव्हता की ज्या मध्ये नाना ची
तनक्चचत सफल होतो. स्पष्ट्ट आणण तनक्चचत ध्येय उपक्स्थती नव्हती.
असलेला माणसू अततिय खडतर रस्त्यावर सुद्धा

69

03. सवे ा न वतृ ्त : नानानां सामाक्जक कायातड सवे ा तनवतृ ्ती नतं र त्याचं े ततन्ही ही चचरंजीव
भाग घेण्याची आवड होती, त्याना िास्त्रीय आप आपळुआ व्यवसायात उच्च शिक्षा घेऊन
सगं ीत, नाटक व इतर ज्ञान वधकड कायकड ्रमाची आनंदाने नादं ू लागले. सुना व नातवडं पण
आवड होती. त्या काळात हे सवड कायकड ्रम आप आपल्या मयादड े नुसार थत्ते पररवार स्व.
रात्रीच होत असत. वयानसु ार त्यांना अचया नानाचं ्या दाखववलेल्या मागावड र पदापणड करीत
प्रकारच्या सभारंभात जाण्यास अडचण येत आहेत.
होत्या. आपल्या वागण्या मुळे इतरांना त्रास
होऊ नये म्हणनू ते नहे मी काळजी घेत असत. " स्वतः च्या जीव ािा स्टार स्वतः च्या
पण सदु ैवाने त्याना एक तरुण उत्साही व मेह ती े उं िवण्यािी न वववड ाद योग्यता
शिस्त बद्ध व्यक्ती शमळाली ती म्हणजे कनलड माणसा जवळ आहे या पके ्षा दसु री प्ररे णादायी
ववनायक नारायण तनत्सुरे (से. तन) त्यानी िवे ट गोष्ट मला माहीत ाही..."
पयतं नानांची मनोभावे सेवा के ली, ततन्ही ऋतू
न चकु ता नानानां कायकड ्रमात संशमलीत व्ही जी पांर्,े
होण्याचा लाभ झाला.
बी िॉम, एल एल बी
से.न . प्रबधं ि, िॅ रा बॅंि
169 टटळि पथ , रामबाग

इंदरू ४५२००७ ( म. प्र )
मो. ९८२७५२७५४७

70

स्मनृ त िषे प्रतत बड़ा मान सम्मान, आदर था. आत्म प्रशसद्चध, प्रचार से
हमेिा दरू रहे स्व. थत्ते को इंडडयन सोसायटी ऑफ
प्रख्यात र्ॉक्टर और समाजसेवी एनसे ्थेशिया द्वारा लाईफ टाईम अचीवमेंट अवाडड प्रदान ककया
गया था। इसके अलावा अनेक प्रततक्ष्ट्ठत सन्मान शमले थ।े
स्वगीय र्ॉ वासदु ेव परिरु ाम थत्ते

आज से ठीक सौ साल पहले 3 ऑक्टोबर 1920 को महाराष्ट्र उनकी पत्नी स्वगीय उशमडलाताई थत्ते एक नामचचन अशभभार्क
के आवी (नागपुर) नामक छोटेसे देहात मंे जन्मे तनष्ट्काम थी। साथ ही सहकारीता क्षेत्र मंे बहुत सकक्रय रही। प्रदेि की
कमयड ोगी स्वगीय डॉक्टर वासुदेव परिरु ाम थत्ते ने 1950 में प्रख्यात इंदरू परस्पर सहकारी बकैं शलशमटेड की तनवाचड चत
इंदौर को अपनी कमभड ूमी बना शलया था। वे यहां के स्थायी सचं ालक तथा अध्यक्ष भी थी। डॉ. थत्ते के पररवार मंे उनके
बाशिदं े हो गये थ।े बाद मंे पांच दिक तक वे िहर के सुपतु ्र सारंग भारतीय सेना के सवे ातनवतृ ्त कनलड , डॉ. सदानदं
चचककत्सा और सामाक्जक क्षेत्र में एक संवदे निील, सवे ाभावी (यरू ोलोक्जस्ट) और उनकी पत्नी डॉ. रंजना (फे शमली
डॉक्टर व समाज सेवी के रूप में सकक्रय रहे थे। यह वर्ड कफक्जशियन), डॉ.चदं ्रिेखर थत्ते (यूरोलोक्जस्ट), उनकी पत्नी
2020 उसी मानवता के पजु ारी समाजसेवी का जन्मिताब्दी डॉ.श्रेया थत्ते (आय स्पेिशलस्ट), उनके पुत्र डॉ. िवील(सजरड ी
वर्ड है । मंै बहुत भाग्यिाली हूं कक मुझे उनका सातनध्य ववर्य) मे पोस्ट ग्रेज्युएिन कर रहे है|
शमला। इतना ही नही जब मैं अपने मराठी समाचार पत्र मंे
प्रततक्ष्ट्ठत समझे जानवे ाले व्यक्क्तयों के कालेकारनामे - मानव सवे ा को ही अपना धमड माननवे ाले डॉ. थत्ते बहुत ही
भ्रष्ट्राचार समाजजन को सावधान करने हेतु मयपखु ्ता सबतू िातं - संवेदनिील-सरल और खलु े ददल के इंसान थ।े ववद्वानों
प्रकाशित करता था। तब वे बहुत खिु होते थ।े उन्होंने मरे ी ने अपनी ववद्या का आदर और उपयोग ककस प्रकार से करना
बहुत होंसलाअफ़जाई की थी। स्व. डॉ. थत्ते ने नागपरु में चादहये, इसकी वे एक शमसाल थ।े सामनवे ाले व्यक्क्त की बाते
प्रारंशभक शिक्षण पूरा करने के पचचात मबुं ई के प्रशसद्ध - ववचार, परू ी िांतत के साथ सुनने के बाद ही सहजता से
के ईएम अस्पताल से एमबीबीएस और एनेस्थेशिया ववर्य मे धीमे से उस व्यक्क्त का ददल नही दखु ाते अपनी स्पष्ट्ट
स्नातकोत्तर उपाचध प्राप्त की थी। एनेस्थेशिया ववर्य में आगे प्रततकक्रया व्यक्त करने के आदद थे। ववचारों की पारदशितड ा की
की पढ़ाई के शलये लदं न भी गये थे। अपने ववर्य के वविरे ्ज्ञ वजह से वे छोटी उम्र से लेकर बड़ो तक अजीज थे। मडे डकल
बनने के बाद 1950 में उनकी इंदौर के महात्मा गाधं ी के छात्रों के साथ ही मरीजों मंे भी वप्रय थ।े सादहत्य - संगीत
मेमोररयल कॉलेज मंे प्रोफे सर पद तनयकु ्क्त हुई। इसी के साथ - नाटक आदद में उनकी बहुत ददलचस्पी थी। समस्याग्रस्त
वे एनसे ्थशे िया ववभाग के ववभागाध्यक्ष भी रहे। 1971 तक व्यक्क्त को ज्यादा से ज्यादा मदद ककस तरह की जा सकती
मडे डकल कॉलेज में ईमानदारी पवू कड ववद्यादान सेवाए दी । है, इसी ववचारधारा के थे। उनकी कथनी करनी में कभी फकड
उसके बाद ढाई दिक तक प्रेक्क्टस की। उनका कोई प्रायव्हेट नही रहा।
क्क्लतनक नही था। इसी दौरान रॉबटड नशसगं होम, चोइथराम
हॉक्स्पटल, फे शमली प्लातनगं हॉक्स्पटल के सफल सचचव भी रहे आज से सोलह वषड पूवड 2004 मंे आयु िे 84 साल में इंदौर
। एक सवे ाभावी - अनभु वसंपन्न तनस्वाथी चचककत्सक और मंे ही उ िा न ध हो गया था।
समाज सेवी के रूप में वजूद बना। िहर के लोगो मे उनके
- अन ल िु मार धर्वईवाले

71

आधरािे हात

- िला चितळे यिवंत क्लब च्या रस्त्या वर कधीतरी नाना ची गाठ भेट होई.
थोडसे बोलण होई. तनघताना ते म्हणत, "घरी ये की गप्पा

माणसाचा मेंदू हा एक उत्तम सगं णक आहे असं मला वाटत.ं मारायला, तू अप्पान कडे - डॉ ठाकू रा कडे जातसे ना, तिीच
आयषु ्ट्याच्या वाटचालीत अनके वाटावर- वळणावर ववववध कधीतरी आमच्या कडे ही येत जा."

प्रकारची माणसं भटे तात. जन्मतः रक्ताच्या नात्याची, इथे मला थोडक्यात माझी पवू ड पीदढका सागं ण आवचयक
वववाहानंतर जोडली गेलले ी नाती असतात. िालेय शिक्षणा वाटतं . माझे माहेर पुण्याच.ं जन्म, बालपण, शिक्षण सगळ
पासून शमत्र - मतै ्रीण. शिक्षक आयषु ्ट्यात प्रविे करतात. िजे र - पणु ्यातच. मुबं ई नाशिकच्या पलीकडे प्रवास न के लेली मी,
पाजारिी संपकड असतो. कालक्रमणात - बदल्याच्या काळात लग्न करून २२ – २३ व्या वर्ी प्रथमच माळव्यात इंदरू ला
ज्यातील काहं ी नाती पसु ट होत जातात. कांही व्यक्तीचं ा ठसा आले. चचतळे घराण प्रशसद्धीच्या झोतात. उच्च ववद्या
इतका ठळकपणे उमटलेला असतो, की त्याचं ्या बद्दलच्या ववभरू ्ीत साधन सपं न्न एकत्र मोठ कु टुंब. त्यांच्या ४ / ५
वपढ्या महणजे जवळ जवळ १०० - १२५ वर्ड इंदरू मध्येच
आठवणी आजन्म पसु ल्या जात नाही.

डॉ थत्ते - नाना हे असच एक व्यक्क्तमत्व. थोडसे े गंभीर वास्तव्य, घरातली मा ण. स मराठी बोलत असली तरी दहदं ी
आणण शमत भाणी. खर म्हणजे नानाच्यात आणण माझ्यात २० भार्ा आणण माळवी संस्कृ तीचा पगडा पणु ्याला िाळेत दहदं ी
- २२ वर्ाडचे अतं र. व्यवसायाने ते डॉक्टर, मी एक सवड भार्ा एक ववर्य म्हणून होता. तरी तोंडात दहदं ी भार्ा चचकटली
सामान्य गदृ हणी. ते शमतभार्ी तर मला बोलायला खपू नव्हती.
आवडायच , कु ठलही रक्ताच ककं वा वववाहा मुळे जोडल
गेलेल नातं नाही. इंदरू मधले एक ज्येष्ट्ठ भूलतज्ञ अिी पुण्यात सकाळ - के सरी वतमड ानपत्र, लायब्ररी तून मराठी
त्यांची ख्याती. त्यांच्यािी पररचय होईल, तो वाढेल याची पसु ्तकं आणून वाचण्याची वसंत व्याख्यान माला ऐकणारी,
ककं चीतिी कल्पनाही नव्हती. प्रत्येकाच्या आयुष्ट्यात काही ….. सवाई गंधवड महोत्सवाला आवजनूड जाणारी मी, घरात मराठी
कलनीय गोष्ट्टी घडत जातात तसच काहं ीस वाटत. पपे र नाही, जवळ पास ग्रथं ालय नाही आणण वातावरणातल्या
दहदं ी भार्ी संस्कृ ती नी थोडी बावरले , त्यात लग्नानतं र
यिवतं कॉलोनीत नानानं ी घर बान्धल्यानन्तर आमचा मदहन्यभरात, जोडीदारा चा नी्सा पररचय होण्यापूवीच
पररचय झाला. त्यापूवी जषे ्ट्ट भलू तज्ञ म्हणनू त्यांची ख्याती त्याना उच्च शिक्षणा करता एम ई करता - बडोदा
ऐकली होती. दर रवववारी सकाळी मी नंद लाल पुर्यातील भाजी ववद्यापीठात शमळाल्याचे कळल्या वर जावं लागेलं . दहदं ी
बाजारात जात अस.े ततथे ही बरेच वेळा पाहयल होत.ं अगदी फारसं कळत नव्हतं. माझ्या चकु त दहदं ी बोलण्याची चषे ्ट्टा होत
अखरे च्या आजारपणा पयतं ते संध्याकाळी पायी कफरायला जात होती, दटगं ल होत होती - हसं होत होत.ं नकळत माझं मन
असत. मधमु हे ाला तनयतं ्रणात ठे वण्या करता, त्याचं ्याच सल्ला िुद्ध मराठी भार्ा ऐकायला, मराठी सादहत्य - पुस्तक
वरुन मीही साधारण ४५ शमनी टा ची मोठी चक्कर मारत असे. वाचायला, मराठी लेखक - कवी - नाटक या बद्दल बोलायला
ऐकायला उत्सुक होत.े तसं वातावरण असलेल्या माणसांचा
माझ्या परती च्या रस्त्या वर म्हणजे महात्मा गांधी मागावड रून घराचा िोध घ्यावासा वाटत होता

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. नाथ मंददरात भरणार्या तुकोगंज भचगनी ठे वलं होतं. ते ऐकायला जाण्याची खपू इच्छा होती. चचतळे
मडं ळात सौ. थत्ते - उर्ाताईिी पररचय झाला. त्या बडोद्यालाच होते. इंदरू ची तिी मादहती नव्हती. कसं जावं?
मराठी नाटकात काम करतात अिी ही मादहती कु णाला ववचाराव ? धीर करून उर्ा ताई नां ववचारलं " तमु ्ही
शमळाली. ववणकामात त्यांचा हात सुरेख आहे जाणार आहात देसाई यांच्या व्याख्यनाला ? मी येऊ िकते
असही कळल.ं ते शिकण्याच्या तनशमत्तानी, त्याचं ं तुमच्या बरोबर ? " नाना नी नले ं तर जाऊ" शमतभार्ी नाना
घर जवळ असल्या मुळे आधनू मधनू त्याचं ्या कडे जाऊ लागले. आम्हाला घेऊन गेले. हळू हळू माझी भीड चपे ली. इथल्या
माझी मराठी वाचनाची, नाटकाची आवड आणण मला न ससं ्कृ ती िी , दहदं ी भार्ेिी, दहदं ी पपे र ची मला सवय झाली.
समजणारी दहदं ी भार्ा - ससं ्कृ ती बद्दल बोलताना मी म्हटल - मराठी पेपर, घरपोच वाचनालय़ लावलं.
घरात दहदं ी – इंक्ग्लि पेपर येतात, मराठी नाही" तेव्हां हलकं
क्स्मत करत नाना उठले, ततथलच एक कपाट उघडू न म्हणाले " पुढे बराच वर्ाड नी माझी प्रकृ तीची समस्या मी नाना ना
बघ, तुझ्या आवडीची काही पसु ्तकं शमळतायत का ? " सांचगतली. त्यानी स्त्री रोग तग्य डॉ मुळे याना भेट ण्याचा
सल्ला ददला. डॉ मुळे म्हणाले " गभािड यात ्यमु र आहे. आकार
उत्सकु तने ी मी कपाटािी गेले. ती पसु ्तकं बघताना मला ही मोठा वाटतोय, िक्य तततक्या लौकर ऑपरेिन कु ठे करायच,ं
आनंद होत होता. पुस्तकं बघताना मोत्या सारख्या दाणेदार कधी करायचं या बद्दल चचाड के ली. नाना त्यावेळी रॉब्डस
अक्षरांतली पसु ्तकांची यादी ही पहायला शमळाली. " तलु ा हवी ती नशसगं होम मध्ये जेष्ट्ठ स्ळलागार आणण प्रिासक म्हणून जात
असत. ऑपरेिन ततथेच करण्याचे ठरलं. डॉ मळु े यांच्या
सोयीनसु ार २४ डडसेबं ेर तारीख ठरली. “२४ डडसबें र म्हणजे
नाताळची सरु ूवात. पषु ्ट्कळ शसस्टसड स्ु टी घेऊन तझु ऑपरेिन
मोठ, जोखीमीचं ४८ तास काळजी घेण्याची गरज. एका
स्पेिल शसस्टर ची सोय करावी लागेल. बघतो काय व्यवस्था

होते आहे” - नाना म्हणाले.

“ भलू द्यायला तुम्हीच असाल ना ? “
“ वय पस्त्वे माझा हाथ कापतो, कला मी आता काम
करणं बंद के लय.”

पसु ्तकं घेऊन जा " मला आठवतय डॉ आनदं यादव याचं ी माझ्या डोळ्यात एकदम पाणी आलं. " तुमच्या मादहतीचा
आत्मचररत्रान्मक दोन पुस्तकं मी वाचायला आणली होती. पढु े दसु रा भलू तज्ञ बोलवा. पण तमु ्ही पण असलात तर मला बरं
सादहत्यसभेिी पररचय झाला. ततथे मी थोडसं काम ही करू वाटेल". नाना आले. दसु रा भूल तज्ञ होताच. मी नानाचा हात
लागले. पण सादहत्य सभा आमच्या घरा पासनू दरू होती. त्या घ्ट धरून ठे वला होता,
वेळी पररसरात असलेल हे घरगुती ग्रंथालय माझ्या मनाचा
आधार ठरलं. त्या वळे ी रणजीत देसाई यांची "स्वामी" कादांबरी ते हळूवार िब्दात सचू ना देत होत.े धीर देत होते. वाटत
होतं नाना असताना सगळं ठीक होईल.
गाजत होती. त्यानां इंदरू ला बोलावलं होत.ं त्यांचं व्याख्यान ८ ददवस हॉक्स्पटल मधे होते तोवर नाना रोज एकदा येऊन
बघून जात होत.े
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नाताळ मुळे ररपॉ्सड यायला बराच वेळ अस.े मी ही ससं ारात - इतर व्यापात गतंु त गेल.े
लागणार होत. ्यमू र काढता आला नाही
परत ऑपरेिन करावं लागेल अिी डॉ िखे रनी इंदरू ला स्थातनक होण्याचे
कु जबुज कानावर पडत होती. कॅ न्सर ची टागं ती ठरवल.ं त्याच्या क्क्लतनक च्या उद्घाटानाचं
तलवार डोक्यावर होती. उशिरा तनमंत्रण पत्रं घेऊन नाना स्वतः आमच्या कडे
ररपोटड आला - ्यमू र "बेनाइन"
तनघाला. कॅ न्सर चा धोका आले. वेळ साधारण दपु ारी बारा
टळला.घरी गेल्यावर नाना एकदा वाजताची थडं ी चे ददवस असावेत. मी
भेटायला आले, " कला, अगं छोटं बाजरीची भाकरी करत होते. चचतळे
कशलगं ड पोटात घेऊन किी वावरत अडँ मुलं कॉलेज मधे गेलेली. नाना नां
होतीस ? तलु ा काही जाणवलं पाहून मी घाई घाई त डाव्या हातानीच
नाही? लक्षात आलं नाही ?" अहो , दार उघडल. "कामात, जवे त आसलीस
मला वाटलं वजन वाढलाय, तसच तर मी लगेच तनघतो. िखे रच्या
पोटा वर ही वाढलय, तेव्हाचं क्क्लतनक च्या उद्घाटनाचं काडड घेऊन
तपासणीत मधमु हे ची सुरूवात आलो होतो"
झाल्याच कळल, त्याला तनयतं ्रनात
ठे वण्याचे उपाय - सल्ला नानानी " या की, भाकरी करत होते गरम
ददला. गरम, बाजरीची:आवडते का ? देऊ ?
का कॉफी करू छानिी ?"
उर्ाताई गेल्यावर माझं जाणं अथाडतच कमी " कॉफी वगरै े नको, भाकरी आवडते की,
झाल.ं आपल्या तनवतृ ्ती खमगं वास सटु लाय चांगला" मग बाजरीची गरम
नंतर च्या ददवसात नाना भाकरी, लोणी, कांद्याच्या पातीची भाजी याचा
आलटू न पालटू न मुलान त्यांनी आस्वाद घेतला. न जेवता च माझं पोट
कडे रहात असत. इंदरू ला भरलं !
असले की सगं ीताच्या सुरवातीच्या वगे ळ्या वातावरणात छोट्या छोट्या
कायकड ्रमात, चांगल्या वक्ता गोष्टीं ी मला रुळायला, सावरायला मदद
च्या व्याखान मी काही
कायकड ्रमात भाग घेत असे. िरणार्या
ते बघायला, ऐकायला ही ा ां बद्दल च्या या ठळि आठवणी िायम

येत असत. कधी कफरण्याच्या वाटेवर भटे होत म ात रंेगाळणायाड .....

74 िला चितळे,

२८ / २ रेस िोसड रोर्, इंदरू .

… in our mail box

Thatte kaka - A man of few words but immense compassion.
I can ponder three starkly different incidents but a common thread of emotion which
is compassion.
Sometime in 1965, Maa experienced excruciating pain that literally shook the lives of
three kids aged 14, 8 and 7. We didn't know if and how we'll see Maa hail and hearty again
while being operated for appendicitis at Roberts Nursing Home. Taking departure from his
"man of few words" penchant, Kaka spoke to three of us with so much fondness and care.
He ushered us to his place where Maushi served us food and we felt assured just when
Kaka called from Roberts to tell us - Maa is good and we can meet her very soon !
Kaka was well respected at Roberts and his advise was always coveted.
Maa, whom Kaka and Maushi doted like a child to quench their liking for a green
eyed girl child used to quote this example to us when it came to choosing between work
and family. Back in the day, it was unheard to quit a plum government job. Kaka went
ahead to surrender a government transfer and thus his job to stay with his family.
Few months after Maushi's demise Maa hosted a lunch in Maushi's memory by
specially cooking everything Maushi loved to eat. Most endeared being thickly
stuffed and liberally garnished with sazuk toop Puran Poli. Kaka passed its serving
to Shekhar. Kaka had quit this dish, despite his own liking for it as a mark of respect
to Maushi.
Different set of people that is family of friends, his own family and then his wife all
well knit by compassion. Maushi, Kaka and Maa...three unsung heroes of our lives who
played their part well in this theatre, where the play is titled 'life'. Your and our family inherit
a bond between our families sown by them. A true tribute will be to maintain this selfless
bond and pass it on to Ashwin, Shantanu, Dhananjay and Sharvil.
I'm very happy when dear Ashwin confuses between his relationship with Shreya
being maternal or paternal. It reflects right integration.
An important consolation was - when Maa left us last year, she'll surely have a
great company up in heaven to make a perfect Three No -Trumps game !!

With respect for Thatte Kaka, Maushi and love for their family….

Rajendra and Vasanti Palshikar ( A Edit Recap : The fortnightly Saturday game of Bridge had the
Indore families of Palshikar, Phadnis, Jog, Atre and Thatte come together with

fun - food - festivity and a strong entwined values of togetherness.
It surely was a bridge between the families … the days of 60’s )

75

… in our mail

एि एस ागवड

H S Bhargav
Scientific Literature Company

Indore

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… in our mail box

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Somil Bhadouria, Dr Thatte , Sandhya Agarwal, Rashmi, Rohit Upadhyay, Dr Gajaria, Dr Somil , Dr Palsule, Dr Sandhya, Dr Rashmi Rajput,
Devendra Ghanekar, Rashmi Rajput Dr Manju Butani, Dr Meenu Chadha, Dr Thatte

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Shri Bagadi, Dr G C Pahadia, Dr Salgia ( now in US), Dr D P Mukherjee and Dr W P Thatte

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… the magic of charcoal pencil , brought from overseas ..
A Doctors latent talent gets some sublime effort ...

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Dr W P Thatte , during his two year stay at London, was overshadowed by the art of charcoal drawing. He possessed the
niche of excellent handwriting. His finesse with the pen was transformed into the use of a Charcoal sketching pencil. He made

many sketches, some of the art pieces have been with us since the 50’s … Cherishing the art of an Anaesthetist !
… Using Black Charcoal in a White Coat as and when time permits …
He enjoyed this passion and did find time to brush up some strokes !!

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