Bongaigaon: Dr Murarilal Agrawala, a renowned physician from Bongaigaon, passed away suddenly on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Admired for his warmth, simplicity, and compassionate approach to medicine, he was not only a physician but also a pillar of humanity and trust.
Commonly referred to as Dr M.L. Agrawala, he was born in Pathsala and finished his early schooling there. He pursued medical education at Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, earning his MBBS in 1974 and an MD in 1979.
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In 1979, he began his medical service in Bongaigaon by opening a small clinic that charged a nominal consultation fee of just five rupees, ensuring affordable healthcare for all sections of society. In 1985, Dr Agrawala etched his name into the medical history of the town by establishing SM Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Bongaigaon’s first private hospital.
According to the news reports, following his demise, floral tributes poured in from a wide cross-section of society. Several organisations, including Shri Agrawal Samaj Sabha, Marwari Sammelan, Marwari Yuva Manch, Terapanth Sabha, Shri Digambar Jain Samaj, Indian Medical Association, Greater Bongaigaon Chamber of Commerce, Bongaigaon Municipal Board, Ellora Science Forum, Bongaigaon Chemist and Druggist Association, Brahmin Vipra Samaj Pragatisheel Navyuvak Sangh, Krishi Vikas Sangh, Bar Association, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The MLA of Bongaigaon, Diptimayee Choudhury, and the district administration, led by District Commissioner Navdeep Pathak, also offered floral tributes. Numerous nursing homes, institutions, and individuals joined in expressing their grief and respect.
As a mark of respect to the beloved physician, traders across Bongaigaon kept their establishments closed from the morning. During his funeral procession, a poignant scene unfolded as people stood silently on both sides of the road with folded hands, paying their final homage to a man who had dedicated his life to healing others.
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