NRS Medical College Alumni UK
The NRS Reunion in the United Kingdom
– From a Junior NiluWhen we entered the hallowed portals of Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, or NRS, in Kolkata,we never appreciated the profound influence that institution would exert on our lives. It made us Nilus, a lifelong identity which still defines us. Other terms, like Nilratanites, do not flow out as smoothly. The name Nilu also has literary pedigree, one of the most famous residents of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, addressedSir Nilratan Sircar by this name.
Leaving Sealdah a place in Kolkata, Nilus have travelled to all parts of the world. In the UK this culminated in celebrating the yearly get together -NRS REUNION across various cities. Subsequently a formal group was formed in the UK – NRS Ex-Student’s Association. Wherever the Nilus are, recounting their memories of NRS invariably became their favourite party trick, to the laughter and enjoyment of others. Even our children in the UK have their own socialising networks where the common identity is the connection of at least one parent to NRS, such is the power of the Nilu DNA!
Nilus have been coming to the shores of the UK right from the 1950s. The egalitarian principle of the NHS, healthcare free at the point of delivery, chimes with Nilus given the history of the hospital where it catered to the poorest of the poor, was called ‘pauper’s hospital,’ while the wealthier went to other hospitals in Kolkata. The first seed of the reunion movement was planted in a London GP surgery, subsequently sprouting its branches and developing into a fully formed tree with annual reunions in all parts of the UK.
This website is an attempt to provide an identity to this tree in the virtual space. It is in keeping with the global ethos of Nilus, where anybody interested can visit and find out about Nilus in the UK. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore-‘He mor chitto, punyotirthejago re dhire,’ translated as ‘Awake my mind, gently awake in this holy place of pilgrimage.’ Let us continue to celebrate the Nilu heritage through visits to this website and undertake a pilgrimage once a year to the NRS reunion, to awaken our minds and spirits. Let us keep the Nilu fire burning, for ever. Long live NRS.
– and from a Senior Nilu
There is a special kind of warmth that comes shared roots for those of us who once walked the historic corridors of Kali Dutta Memorial Hall of Nil Ratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College in Kolkata, our journey began far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. It began in classrooms, lecture halls, canteen, playgrounds, central hall and hospital wards where our passion for medicine was first ignited. When many of us relocated to the UK to pursue our medical careers, we brought with us not only with our stethoscope and textbooksbut a deep sense of gratitude for our alma mater and a desire to stay connected with fellow alumni. In August 1976, a small group of visionary NRS ex-students met in London with a simple yet a powerful vision to create a home away from home, foster camaraderie, advance medical knowledge and give back to the institution that shaped us. Just about five decades later, the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical School/College Ex -Student Association and Reunion Committee stands strong as a vibrant, thriving community as we launch our official website. Our Pillars: What we stand for: Over the decades our association has evolved into a multi-faceted platform cantered around five main Pillars: • Reconnecting traditions-Annual reunions across England: • Supporting our Alma Mater and Underprivileged students: • Continuous learning – Eminent speakers and accredited CPD points: • Exploring together- Annual medical travel tour: • Award citation: So, come and join us, get involved, reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and be part of the NRS family.