BOOK REVIEW: A TRYST WITH A NEUROLOGIST DR. NAVNEET KUMAR

“He was finally asked to head the GSVM Medical College Kanpur and then he took charge of the college as Principal and Dean…(the college) has risen to further heights and glory under Professor Navneet Kumar’s vision and administration.”

Bidhan Chandra Roy is a name that is reverently repeated in households around the country even today. He was a world-renowned doctor, philanthropist, and a pioneering leader of the 20^th century. He was a truly versatile person, political leader and a famous physician; while also being a social reformer. He believed that Swaraj would remain a dream until we the people were physically and mentally healthy.

“Whatever thy hands findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Dr. Roy was a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, and even served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. He played a pivotal role in pulling the country out of its shambles in the wake of the post-Independence era.

He placed immense faith in the youth of the Nation, believing that their glory lay in pursuing their education, and working for the social welfare of the society around them.

“By a dint of hard work for the country, rendered in a spirit of selfless service, may you march ahead with hope and courage….”

 Inspired by the life and works of Dr.Roy, Dr. Navneet Kumar, a neurologist and philanthropist himself, follows in his footsteps. This book traces the life, events and major milestones of Dr. Kumar’s remarkable and inspiring career.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Professor (Doctor) Dewakar Goel is a Science and Law graduate, with Masters in Business Administration. He is a specialist in Labour Laws. His Post graduate course includes Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. Dr. Dewakar Goel has a truly illustrious career: on the cards for him is working at the four major metropolitan International Airports of India (he aced the International Airports Authority of India selections); serving as head of HR Directorate of Air Navigation Services; and being associated with the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organization (JAATO), Amsterdam.

He is an advocate member of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court Bar Association, has worked as a trainer, Researcher, HR Consultant and Corporate Speaker; and has been invited to numerous countries across the globe, including the States, Singapore and Switzerland. He has been recognized by eminent personalities like Javed Akhtar, Kaifi Azmi, Shabana Azmi and Sunil Gangopadhay, who have bestowed numerous titles upon him.

So far, he has authored 14 books about Management, Law, Poetry and Stories.

His latest book: A Tryst With Neurologist Dr. Navneet Kumar gives us a glimpse of the magnanimity of Dr. Kumar as a person, his remarkable life and achievements and his journey from an introspective child to a renowned neurologist.

 ABOUT THE BOOK IN DETAIL:

Dr. Navneet Kumar was born in Dibai, a small town of Uttar Pradesh, in December 1957. His years of education allowed him to develop a deep interest in Biology and medicine. He was a brilliant student, and his batch mates and seniors have spoken about his sense of humour, and excellence in co-curricular activities.

In 1985, he married Dr. Archana, who has remained a source of comfort and support for him.

Dr. Kumar’s interest in academics and research work remained unabated. In 1988, he joined the GSVM Medical College in Kanpur, as a lecturer in Medicine. He soon became a known name among his colleagues as well as his patients, and contributed significantly towards scientific literature.

Dr. Kumar is particularly known for his work in Epilepsy, a very common disease of the time. His other areas of research included neuroimmunology, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis and several cognitive disorders. His lecture on the Parkinson’s Disease, held at Jaipur in 1977 was highly appreciated.

Dr. Kumar has authored a number of highly acclaimed books, concerning medicine and neurology.

As the Principal and Dean of the GSVM Medical College, he achieved a lot. During his tenure, the College was at the zenith of its glory. He increased the number of OPD registration counters from three to five, so that his patients need not wait in long queues. He never believed in referring his patients to other authorities: he believed that any patient who came to him must go back completely cured. His untiring efforts led to the development of the Neuroscience Centre at the college during his tenure.

He was concern for the well-being of not only his patients, but also their attendants: he established a canteen to provide food at subsidized rates to all the attendants of patients. The canteen was set up by 2015, and catered to the needs of the weakest sections of society. With the help of the Rotary Club, Kanpur he set up night shelters for the attendants of the patients who were to stay on overnight at the hospital premises. His firm belief that the children are the future of the society made him work towards strengthening the Pediatrics Department. He had also accepted the challenge to set up a Super Speciality Wing under the PMSSY Scheme. Between 2016-17, a Blood Bank was set up at the premises, under the initiative of Dr. Kumar.

Dr. Kumar was a genius visionary, and a far-sighted man who believed in keeping up with the latest inventions, so that people in need could be swiftly helped. His magnificent career has been bestowed with numerous awards and accolades. He continues to be a beacon of inspiration for several people around the world today.

 CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE BOOK:

Dr. Goel has adeptly illustrated the awe-inspiring life of the neurologist, Dr. Navneet Kumar. A man of action, Dr. Kumar will continue to be a symbol of hope for all.

The book is detailed and factual, with the use of pictures making the point hit home. On the downside, much of the information is repeated throughout the book. The barrage of information can be overwhelming at times, and will not be accessible to a layman. On the whole, one is left full of respect for the monumental man that Dr. Kumar is.

 Title: A TRYST WITH A NEUROLOGIST Dr. Navneet Kumar
Author: Dr. Dewakar Goel
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Reviewed by: Lalita sahu
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