down town hospital celebrated its 36th Anniversary from 3rd February 2025 with various competitions among the staff and doctors of the hospital, culminating in a two-day mega health mela. The celebrations concluded with the 33rd down town Public Oration & Award function on 15th February 2025 at ITA Machkhowa, Guwahati, at 4 PM. The 36th Anniversary function of down town hospital held at the hospital auditorium on 15th of February 2025 at 10 AM. The 66th Edition of down town Newsletter was inaugurated with the Directors present in the dais Dr. N.N. Dutta – CMD, Dr. B.K. Gogoi – Medical Director, Prof. Bandana Dutta – Whole Time Director, Dr. Biswa Dutta – Director, and Dr. Udayan Barua – Medical Superintendent alongside the editors of the Newsletter Ms. Gariasi Dutta, Director of down town hospital and Dr. Manabendra Nayak, HOD and Senior Consultant – Department of Medicine. Prizes for various competitions were awarded by esteemed Guests and dignitaries along with few special prizes. Meritorious awards and scholarships were also presented to the wards of the staff and doctors. For the past 32 years, down town hospital has been organizing the Public Oration Programme to raise awareness among the general public on important medical topics. Eminent personalities from various medical fields have been invited to deliver insightful lectures aimed at promoting a healthier society. The event serves to bridge the gap between the medical community and the public by fostering discussions on healthcare advancements and preventive care.
The oration commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Mayurakshi Dutta, Executive Director of down town hospital, who extended her heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests, the Orator, and the Awardees. Ms. Gariasi Dutta, Director of down town hospital, provided a brief history of the Public Oration Programme, which has been held since 1993. She also introduced this year’s esteemed Orator, Dr. Shantala Hegde, Additional Professor & Consultant Neuropsychologist, Clinical Neuropsychology Unit & Neurorehabilitation Services, Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bengaluru Dr. Shantala Hegde delivered the 33rd Public Oration on the topic “Music and Health.” Her enlightening speech explored the transformative impact of music on mental and neurological well-being. She highlighted the scientific basis of music therapy and its application in treating cognitive disorders, anxiety, depression and neurological conditions. She elaborated on how structured musical interventions can significantly improve memory, cognition, and emotional well-being, particularly in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Hegde also discussed the role of rhythm and melody in stimulating brain activity. Her session was deeply engaging and concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where the audience had the opportunity to discuss the practical applications of music therapy in daily life and clinical settings. To uplift the spirit of doctors and encourage them to continue their dedicated service to the community, down town hospital has been conferring the Annual “Award of Excellence in Medicine” since 2000 to honor exemplary doctors from the North East Region. This year, the “Award for Excellence in Medicine – 2025” was conferred upon Prof. Dr. Ratna Talukdar, Former Principal cum Chief Superintendent, JMCH, Jorhat and Professor & HOD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, Guwahati, for her outstanding contributions to the medical profession. The award included a citation, a memento, and a cheque of Rupees One Lakh. In memory of Prof. Jogesh Mahanta & Prof. Pratul Goswami, who made significant contributions to the development of the hospital, two awards have been instituted to recognize distinguished doctors who have profoundly contributed to the growth of healthcare in society.
