Kolkata, 02, September, 2025 :
As Bengal prepares for the grand celebrations of Durga Puja, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata extended a special gesture to the idol makers of Kumartuli, the hub of traditional artisans who create Maa Durga idols. The hospital organised a felicitation programme on Tuesday to honour the craftsmen and address their health and wellness needs.
The event was attended by senior doctors including Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals East; 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. Sauman Basu; Dr. Abhinibesh Chatterjee and Dr. Polly Chatterjee.
In collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and the Idol Makers’ Association, the hospital also launched Privilege Health Cards for idol makers. These cards will provide priority treatment, consultations and medical benefits.
A panel discussion titled “Prevention is Better Than Cure” highlighted the occupational health risks faced by artisans, such as respiratory issues, eye strain, orthopaedic problems and environmental challenges. Specialists in cardiology, eye care, neurology, gastroenterology and emergency medicine shared precautionary measures to protect the craftsmen’s health before the festive season.
The programme also featured an interactive Q&A session where artisans discussed their concerns with medical experts.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta said, “Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is the soul of Bengal. The idol makers of Kumartuli bring the Goddess to life every year with unmatched devotion. At Manipal Hospitals, we are committed to their well-being so they can continue their craft with strength and health.”
Every year, Kumartuli artisans produce thousands of idols—over 3,000 for pandals in Kolkata, 5,000 across India and nearly 10,000 for export worldwide. Manipal Hospitals, with its network of 40,000 staff and 7,000 doctors, reaffirmed its pledge to support the artisans who form the cultural heartbeat of Bengal.
