India's Forgotten Pioneer: Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhyay's IVF Breakthrough

Today, when In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology is bringing happiness to the lives of millions of childless couples, it is important to remember that the scientist who laid the foundation of this revolution in India had to wait for more than two decades after his death to be recognized in his own country. AdvertisementOn 25 July 1978, the world's first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in the UK through the efforts of scientists Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr. Patrick Steptoe. The whole world was thrilled by this achievement. But, very few people know that only 67 days later in Kolkata, Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhyay and his team announced the birth of India's first and the world's second test-tube baby'Durga'through IVF technology. This achievement was extraordinary in itself. Born on 16 January 1931 in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhyay was a meritorious student since childhood. His father, Dr. Satyendra Mukherjee, was a distinguished radiologist who graduated from Calcutta Medical College with a Bachelor of Obstetrics and Gynecology degree in 1955.