Baby Chakraborty

Bone marrow transplantation is a vital medical procedure for treating various complex blood disorders, including leukemia. Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation can open up new possibilities, particularly for patients whose natural blood cell production process is severely impaired.

However, finding a suitable donor and ensuring compatibility between the transplanted cells and the patient’s body remain major challenges in this treatment. In this context, the importance of haplo-identical bone marrow transplantation is steadily increasing.

Renowned hematologist, hemato-oncologist, and bone marrow transplant specialist Dr. Rajat Bhattacharya has been recognized for his pioneering role in haplo-identical bone marrow transplantation in Eastern India. He was presented with the ‘Dr. Sachiprasad Bhattacharya Memorial Award 2026’ at a ceremony held at the Annex Hall of Mahajati Sadan in Kolkata.

Organized by the Picnic Garden Leela Seba Society, the event featured discussions on bone marrow treatment and its significance in modern medicine. Dr. Bhattacharya received this honor in recognition of his long-standing work and contributions to the field of haplo-identical bone marrow transplantation in Eastern India.

Dr. Rajat Bhattacharya explained that haplo-identical transplantation allows for the collection of stem cells from a family member who shares a 50% genetic match with the patient. Consequently, a treatment pathway can be established in specific situations even without a fully matched donor.

Dr. Soumya Bhattacharya, a distinguished physician and Secretary of the Picnic Garden Leela Seba Society, noted that this method has expanded the pool of potential donors for bone marrow transplantation-a development that is highly beneficial in the current medical landscape.

The Sachiprasad Bhattacharya Memorial Lecture 2026 was delivered. Discussions covered various aspects of bone marrow transplantation, its advancements in modern medical science, and emerging possibilities in the field.

Special initiatives were also undertaken during the event to foster an interest in scientific pursuits among the younger generation, extending beyond the realm of medical science alone.

An inter-school science quiz competition for 2026 was organized for students at the secondary and higher secondary levels in West Bengal. This science-based competition aimed to cultivate a scientific mindset and an interest in research among school students.