Kolkata: As Bengal gears up to welcome Maa Durga with grandeur, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, one of India’s leading healthcare providers, has taken a heartfelt initiative to honour the artisans of Kumartuli — the very hands that bring the Goddess to life.
At a special event organised today, the hospital paid tribute to the idol makers and focused on their health and wellness needs. The occasion was graced by Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals East, along with eminent consultants including Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Dr. Vikash Kapoor, Dr. Shubhayu Banerjee, Dr. Sourav Datta, Dr. Payel Bose, Dr. Kishen Goel, Dr. Debraj Jash, Dr. Sujit Chaudhuri, Dr. Anshu Sen, Dr. Suranjan Mukherjee, Dr. Smita Moitra, Dr. Sima Dutta Roy, Dr. Paromita Kanjilal Chakraborty, Dr. Soumen Basu, Dr. Abhinibesh Chatterjee and Dr. Polly Chatterjee.
In collaboration with the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and the Idol Makers’ Association, the hospital launched Privilege Health Cards for idol makers, ensuring them priority treatment, consultations, and medical benefits.
The programme featured a felicitation ceremony where artisans were honoured for their devotion and artistry. A panel discussion on “Prevention is Better Than Cure” highlighted the occupational health risks faced by idol makers, with experts from cardiology, ophthalmology, respirology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, neurology, and emergency medicine sharing preventive measures and best practices.
An interactive Q&A session allowed artisans to voice their health concerns directly to medical experts, making the event both informative and engaging.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta said:
“Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is the soul of Bengal. The artisans of Kumartuli, with their unmatched dedication, give us the divine form of the Goddess each year. Their craftsmanship is not just art, it is worship. At Manipal Hospitals, we are committed to their health and wellbeing, ensuring that those who shape our traditions and faith remain strong and celebrated.”
Each year, the idol makers of Kumartuli sculpt over 3,000 idols for Kolkata pandals, 5,000 across India, and nearly 10,000 idols exported worldwide. Recognising their central role in preserving Bengal’s cultural heritage, Manipal Hospitals — with its strength of 40,000 staff and 7,000 physicians — reaffirmed its commitment to protect and care for these craftsmen.
This initiative stands as a tribute to the creators of Maa Durga, ensuring that the hands which mould tradition continue to remain healthy and resilient.
