Sukhsagar Datta, also known as Sukha Sagar Datta, was a remarkable individual whose life story is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to both his profession and his principles.
Born in Bengal, India, in 1890, Datta’s journey took him from the vibrant land of his birth to the historic streets of London and eventually to Bristol, where he left an indelible mark on both the medical field and the political landscape.
Sukhsagar Datta: Early Life and Flight to Freedom
The path to greatness is often paved with challenges, and for Datta, these began early. In 1908, his brother, Ullasakar Datta, was arrested by the British Raj for his revolutionary activities.
The arrest and subsequent long prison sentence of his brother sent shockwaves through the Datta family and posed a direct threat to Sukhsagar’s own safety. In the face of imminent arrest, Datta made the courageous decision to flee to London. This move not only ensured his safety but also opened the doors to a world of new opportunities.
Education and Love in London
In London, Sukhsagar Datta enrolled at the London Tutorial College, immersing himself in his studies while simultaneously forging connections with the intellectual elite, including members of the Bloomsbury Group.
This period of his life was marked not only by academic pursuits but also by a profound personal development. Around 1910-11, Datta met Ruby Young of Bristol, a meeting that blossomed into a deep and enduring love. The couple married and later moved to St Paul’s in Bristol, where they raised their two sons, Albion and David.
A Medical Career Begins
Sukhsagar Datta’s academic journey took a significant turn when he joined the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College around 1913-14. His success in examinations enabled him to secure a place at the University of Bristol Medical School in 1915. On October 22, 1920, Datta qualified as a doctor, marking the beginning of a distinguished medical career.
Joining the Bristol General Hospital as a House Physician, Sukhsagar Datta stood out in an era when Indian doctors were a rarity in Britain. His dedication and skill saw him work with various medical institutions in Bristol, offering voluntary services to the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, which honored him in 1959 for his lifelong contributions.
Political Activism and Commitment to Indian Independence
Despite his demanding medical career, Sukhsagar Datta never wavered in his commitment to the cause of Indian Independence. In 1926, he joined the Labour Party, attracted by their sympathetic stance towards Indian self-rule. His political involvement deepened over the years, leading him to become the Chairman of the Bristol Labour Party and the President of the Bristol Trades Council in 1946-47.
Datta’s political activism extended beyond local politics. In the 1930s, he joined the India League, a London-based organization affiliated with the Indian National Congress. His efforts were instrumental in the Labour Party passing a resolution in 1944 supporting Indian Independence, a dream realized in 1947 following Labour’s electoral victory in 1945.
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
After a lifetime of service, Sukhsagar Datta retired in 1956. He and his beloved wife Ruby embarked on a six-month tour of India, a poignant journey reconnecting with the land of his birth. Datta passed away in Bristol on November 3, 1967, following a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to both his adopted and native lands.
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