Dr. DV Datta
(1934-1981)
Dr. Dharamvir Datta, in whose memory, this oration has been instituted was born on
31st May 1934. He graduated in Medicine from the G.R. Medical College,
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh in April 1958. He obtained his doctorate in Medicine (MD)
from the Vikram University in 1961. He then went to England, where he worked as
Assistant Lecturer in Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital, School of Medicine, UK,
and pursued research at the University of London. He was awarded the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy of that University in 1964. He then went to the United States of America
and worked as Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Boston. He was selected as
Assistant Professor of Experimental Medicine at Post Graduate Institute of Medical
Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and joined the Institute on 22 February 1967.
In April 1969, he was selected as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Institute.
He was appointed as Associate Professor of Hepatic Diseases in August 1971. He was
the founder Head of the Department of Hepatology at the Institute. His work in the
Department received National and International recognition
Within a short period of his joining the Institute Dr. Datta earned a name for himself as an
eminent hepatologist, an excellent research worker and a devoted physician. With his qualities
of head and heart, he endeared himself to his students and colleagues. Unfortunately, he was
snatched away from us by the cruel hands of death on 13th May 1981 at the very young age of 47
years. In Dr. Datta’s death, the Institute lost a medical scientist who had already made a mark
in the specialty at national and international levels.
Dr. Datta is survived by his wife and two sons. Dr. (Mrs.) Usha Datta, was Head of the Department of
Immunopathology at this Institute. One of his sons Dr. Rakesh Datta, is a Major in the Army and has
specialized in ENT. The other son Mr. Deepak Datta, is an Engineer has settled in Dallas, Texas, USA.
To perpetuate Dr. Datta’s memory, the Postgradsuate Institute of Medical Education and Research PGIMER,
Chandigarh decided to institute an oration and invite an outstanding scientist to deliver the oration on
a subject pertaining to the field of Hepatology.