Wick consultant surgeon Pradip Datta to be remembered at celebration of life
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Pradip Datta's huge contribution to the medical profession and to the Caithness community will be remembered next weekend at a celebration of his life.
Family members, friends and former colleagues of the highly respected consultant surgeon will gather in Wick St Fergus Church for the event on Saturday, June 4, with others around the world joining online.
Mr Datta, MBE MS FRCS, died in March at the age of 81.
His son Sandip (42), a child psychiatrist living in Perthshire, said: "It's not meant to be a sad day – it's meant to be a celebration.
"I think it'll be quite well attended. There are people coming from all corners of the UK.
"Everyone that knew my dad and would like to attend is more than welcome."
Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Mr Datta spent 25 years working in Wick, first at the Bignold Hospital and then at Caithness General. Young surgeons would come from around the world to be trained by him.
He was also a renowned sportsman, winning multiple squash championships. He was Wick Squash Club's only lifetime member and court one at the club was named in his honour last year.
Mr Datta suffered a life-changing stroke in 2017 at his home in Wick and was supported afterwards by his friend Loretta Reynolds along with carers. He spent his last few months at Pentland View care home in Thurso.
In 2020 he published his memoirs, The Naked Mountain Lands, a detailed and often humorous account of his life in the 50-plus years after he left his native India. Sales of the book have raised thousands of pounds for his chosen charities.
The celebration of his life will begin at 1pm next Saturday. There will be a welcome and introduction by family friend Willie Miller before a speech by Professor John Duncan, a retired professor of surgery in Aberdeen.
Prof Duncan will talk about Mr Datta's work as a surgical trainer as well as an Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons council member and secretary.
Professor Rajamiyer Venkateswaran will recall how Mr Datta was an inspirational teacher. Wick man Roy Mackenzie, a friend and great squash rival, will give an insight into his sporting life.
Sandip will then give an address.
"There will be a moment of reflection with pictures of my dad and some music and a song and then a blessing by Willie," Sandip explained. "There will be a book of condolence as well for people to sign.
"Everyone is invited for some light refreshment to Mackays Hotel afterwards, just to share some memories, and all donations that are raised at the ceremony will go to the Stroke Association."
The celebration of Mr Datta's life will be livestreamed here.
Sandip will be taking part in the Great Scottish Run in October to raise funds for the Stroke Association.
At the time of his death, Mr Datta was described as an outstanding professional, a man of integrity and "an unbelievable human being".
Sandip said this week: "I didn't realise what a great and respected man he was until he actually passed away. I always knew he was a great man, but to me he was just Dad.
"Sometimes you only realise the greatness of someone once they leave this Earth."
Related stories:
- 'An unbelievable human being' – tributes paid to retired Wick surgeon Pradip Datta
- Wick marks India Independence Day with garden party
- Court at Wick club is named in honour of Wick squash veteran Pradip Datta
- A surgeon's journey, musical memories, village tales and circus stories
- Surgery, sport and fishing forays among the topics in retired Wick consultant surgeon's biography
