Dr. Sitikantha Das

Date of Birth:- September 25th, 1936
Place of Birth:- Sunhat, Balasore district, Odisha, India.  
Details of family:- Dr. Sitikantha Das hails from a distinguished family, with his father, Kabiraj Lambodar Das, being a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner and a freedom fighter who participated in India’s independence struggle. His mother, Narayani Das, inspired the name of his father’s Ayurvedic practice, “Narayani Ousadhalaya.” Dr. Das’s son, Dr. Santanu Das, continues to uphold the family’s Ayurvedic legacy.

Educational Qualifications:-

Dr. Das received his primary education at Mani Charana Vidyapitha, followed by secondary schooling at Balasore Zilla School in Odisha. He pursued higher education in Ayurveda, earning an Ayurvedacharya diploma from Sri Baidyanath Bigyan Vidyalaya, Varanasi, in 1956, and later completing a graduate degree in Ayurveda Tirtha and Ayurvedacharya from S.F.M.A.S.F., Calcutta. His professional training included an internship as a senior houseman at J.B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College in Calcutta.

Professional Trajectory:-

·  Early Career:-
Dr. Sitikantha Das began his professional journey as a senior houseman at J.B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College, Calcutta. Later, he established his clinical practice in Balasore, Odisha, specializing in Ayurvedic treatments.

·  Founding Member:-
Dr. Das was instrumental in the founding of several educational institutions, including Mayurbhanj Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Odisha, Balangi Degree College in Sunhat, Balasore, and the Vyasa Vihar Education Foundation, which later evolved into Fakir Mohan University.

· InstitutionalContributions:-
In 1988, Dr. Das founded his own pharmacy, Narayani Pharmacy, which produced notable formulations like Makardhwaja Vati and Mukta Rasayana. He also organized the Baidya Bichar symposium in 1994 to foster collaboration among Ayurvedic practitioners.

·  Clinical Achievements:-
Dr. Das gained recognition for his expertise in Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis) and his innovative treatments using classical Ayurvedic methods. His notable clinical successes include the treatment of peptic ulcers and facilitating recovery from polio using Ayurvedic therapies

Literary Contributions:-

Dr. Sitikantha Das had a profound love for literature, particularly Odia and Bengali, and he made significant contributions to the literary world. While primarily known for his expertise in Ayurveda, he was also deeply passionate about writing and often engaged in literary discussions. His dedication to preserving and promoting regional literature was evident in his extensive collection of literary works and his active participation in cultural forums. Though he did not author any major works himself, his influence on the literary community and his support for emerging writers remain an understated yet valuable part of his legacy.

Accolades and Honors Presented:-

Dr. Das has received numerous accolades for his contributions. In 2007, he was honored with the Piyush Pani Samman by Odisha’s Chief Minister, Sri Navin Pattanayak, during the Centenary Celebration of the All India Ayurved Congress. Other recognitions include the Sidha Vidya Samman in 2006 by the Kanika Foundation, the Golden Jubilee Award in 1994 at Gopabandhu Ayurved Mahavidyalaya’s Golden Jubilee Celebration, and the Popular Doctor’s Award for his esteemed standing among patients and the community. In 2006, he was also awarded the Chhatra Smruti Samman by Balasore Zilla School in recognition of his contributions to Ayurveda and the community.