Subhash Mukhopadhyay, Poet
Poet

Subhash Mukhopadhyay

Born 12 February 1919 · Bangladesh — Died 19 June 1981

Created India's first IVF baby, Kanupriya Agarwal, in 1978, the world's second IVF birth.

Subhash Mukherjee was an Indian scientist and physician who created the world's second and India's first child using in-vitro fertilisation, Kanupriya Agarwal (Durga), who was born in 1978, just 70 days after Louise Brown, the first IVF baby in United Kingdom. Afterwards, Dr. Subhash Mukherjee was harassed by the then Government of West Bengal and Government of India and was not allowed to share his achievements with the international scientific community. Dejected, he committed suicide on 19 June 1981.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Dr. Subhash Mukherjee created the world’s second IVF baby just 67 days after Louise Brown, the first IVF baby born in the UK in 1978.

The Story

1
🧬 In 1978, just 70 days after the UK’s Louise Brown, Dr. Subhash Mukherjee delivered India’s first IVF baby, Kanupriya Agarwal (Durga), in Calcutta, marking a milestone in reproductive medicine.
2
🥼 Despite this achievement, in 1980, the West Bengal government transferred Mukherjee to R.G. Kar Medical College, disrupting his IVF research and isolating him from the scientific community.
3🏥 An expert committee with no IVF expertise discredited his work, barring him from international conferences and silencing his groundbreaking findings during a time when IVF was still novel worldwide.
4📜 In 1981, after repeated transfers to unrelated medical departments and enduring government harassment, Mukherjee’s health deteriorated, culminating in a heart attack and deep despair.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Jnanpith Award

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1980, Mukherjee was forcibly transferred away from reproductive medicine to an ophthalmology institute, a move that crippled his IVF research efforts.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
Subhash Mukherjee was born into a Brahmin family; his father was a radiologist.
1931
📚
Education
MBBS from Calcutta Medical College
Mukherjee excelled in obstetrics and gynecology, earning scholarships and medals.
1955
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Career
Birth of India’s first IVF baby
Kanupriya Agarwal (Durga) was born in Calcutta just 70 days after the UK’s first IVF baby.
1978
⚡
Career
Transferred to R.G. Kar Medical College
This transfer disrupted Mukherjee’s IVF research and distanced him from his home.
1980
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Career
Reassigned to Ophthalmology Institute
Further relocation hampered his research, worsening his mental and physical health.
1981
🕊️
Death
Death by suicide in Calcutta
Overwhelmed by harassment and isolation, Mukherjee ended his life, leaving a poignant note.
1981
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
💡SURPRISING

The expert committee that discredited Mukherjee's IVF work had no members with expertise in IVF, including only a radiophysicist, neurologist, gynecologist, and physiologist.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Kanupriya Agarwal (Durga), India’s first IVF baby, was born in Calcutta in 1978, only 67 days after the world’s first IVF baby in the UK.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Despite his pioneering work, Mukherjee was barred from presenting his findings internationally and received no government support during his lifetime.

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"I can’t wait every day for a heart attack to kill me."

— Subhash Mukhopadhyay

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
The great scientist Dr.Subhas Mukhopadhyay | Biography | In Bengali |
·YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Dr. Mukherjee’s IVF breakthrough paved the way for assisted reproductive technology in India, despite being ignored during his lifetime. His work eventually led to recognition by Indian medical institutions, inspiring the establishment of IVF clinics and research programs nationwide. His tragic story has prompted ongoing discussions about scientific recognition and ethical treatment of innovators in India.

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