OBITUARY
In memory of Dr. Ajit Chamanlal Mehta …..Past President, ISOPARB
Dr. Ajit C. Mehta was born on 6th March 1930 to Dr. Chamanlal Mehta and Kusum Mehta, and breathed his last on 6th June 2020 after battling an illness for over 4 months.
He was an alumni of the Seth G. S. Medical College and K. E. M Hospital, Mumbai and did his post-graduate training at KEM Hospital, Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital (NWMH), and Tata Memorial Hospital. He later joined NWMH as a Consultant and went on to become the Dean, of the prestigious institution. He considered NWMH as “The Temple of Learning” throughout his term of 39 years (1961 – 1999).
He also had a roaring practice at Babulnath, Mumbai which he took over from his father Dr. Chamanlal Mehta, an illustrious Obstetrician and Gynecologist himself, founder member of FOGSI.
Dr. Ajit Mehta was well respected in his field and his special interest were in preventive Obstetrics and Gynecology and Perinatology.
Indian Society of Perinatology and Reproductive Biology (ISOPARB) was propagated by Dr. Tarun Banerjee and Dr. Ajit Mehta joined ISOPARB when the organization was young. He took keen interest in its developments. He soon became President of the organization. He was instrumental in getting many prominent Obstetricians and Gynecologist to join the Organization. I too was introduced to ISOPARB by him and he encouraged me to take an active part in the organization. He was instrumental in organizing many ISOPARB Conferences and it was his unfulfilled wish to have the headquarters of ISOPARB in Mumbai for which he had also offered to give space for the organization’s office at his hospital.
Dr. Ajit Mehta was actively involved with National Neonatology Forum (NNF). For years there were joint annual meetings of ISOPARB – NNF.
He was also the President of the Mumbai Obstetrics and Gynecological Society and was actively involved with FOGSI where he reached the position of Secretary General. He however shunned politics and did not take active part in organizational politics later on.
He was an ethical and honest doctor who always practiced the science of OBGY with compassion and empathy for his patients.
He was a teacher par excellence and won the hearts of all the residents who worked under him. I remember that he would give rewards to his units if they managed an emergency day without doing a single Cesarean Section. His unit at NWMH would always have the lowest C. Section rates. His bedside grand teaching rounds were appreciated by one and all and many students came to attend them.
As Dean of Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital he introduced many reforms in the interest of the Residents and patients. I remember that once there were some management problems and Neonatologists from Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital stopped attending to babies at NWMH. He tasked the Obstetric residents with taking on duties of the Neonatologist, even managing the NICU. I was lucky to be resident at that time and I must say that I am more confident of handling the babies that I deliver.
He was a recipient of several prestigious awards and Orations by National and International organizations.
Dr. Ajit Mehta had a keen interest in research and after retiring as Dean he was appointed as Director of the research wing of NWMH and was instrumental in starting testing for Autoimmune disorders, TORCH infections and perinatal diagnosis of Beta thalassemia. He was also instrumental in computerizing the records of all patients delivering at NWMH and designing a software for analyzing the data of the patients.
In personal life he was very simple, humble and a true gentleman. He was fond of reading and writing. He has published two books of his poems titled “Unfolding Life” and wrote a book on the story of NWMH as known and understood by him. He was an ardent “Bridge” player, and almost every weekend with his wife Rasilaben spent time at their farm in which nature abounds and peace prevails.
He is survived by his wife Rasilaben, two daughters – Sujata and Nandita, Son – Dr. Ajay Mehta – a respected and eminent Obstetrician, Daughter –in –law – Dr. Trupti Mehta a Pathologist and a granddaughter – Nishita – a budding 4th generation Obstetrician and Gynecologist.
My association with him has spanned over more than 35 years and he was a father figure to me. I have learnt a lot from him and shall always remember him dearly and miss him.
I join ISOPARB in paying this humble tribute to him and pray that the lord bless his soul and give him everlasting peace. Our heartfelt condolence to all the family members and May the lord give them the courage to bear this loss.
- By Dr. Neelang Shah.
