The West Bengal Branch of the Indian Psychiatric Society was formed on 17-1-62 under the Chairmanship of Dr.N.N.De at 20,Creek Row,Calcutta-14. At the foundation meeting the following psychiatrists were present – Dr. R. B. Davis, Dr. N.N. De, Dr. A. K. Deb, Dr. P. K. Roy, Dr. J. B. Mukherjee, Dr. J. Mallik, Dr. A. S. Bhaduri, Dr. (Miss) A. Chakraborty, Dr. C. C. Saha.

The aims and objects of this branch were drawn up on the lines of the Indian Psychiatric Society, for the upliftment of the status of psychiatry in West Bengal. The main functions of the branch were as follows:

  • Holding of academic meetings and discussions on different aspects of psychiatry and allied subjects
  • To popularise psychiatry amongst medical men and the public, through lectures and articles.
  • cTo persuade the State Government to improve the psychiatric services in the State.
  • To increase the members for the Local and Central Psychiatric Society.

Dr. C. C. Saha was unanimously elected Convenor of this branch.

The venue of the branch was at 20, Creek Row, Calcutta-14, for that time. It was decided to fix up a sum of rupees five only as a subscription for this branch. It was decided that branch would utilise this subscription fully for running the office and for the upliftment of psychiatry in the state.

Previously it was decided that a branch member must be initially member of the Indian Psychiatric Society. Later on, it was settled after discussion between Dr. Bhaskaran, the then Hony. Secretary of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Dr. C. C. Saha, Convenor and Dr. J. Mallik, Hony. Secretary, Local Branch, at Agra during the annual general conference in 1962; that local member would have the option of joining the central body. The local branch will be an autonomous body affiliated to the Indian Psychiatric Society.

Altogether there are thirty members on the role. In the first meeting of this branch held on 4th February, 1962, the following office bearers were unanimously elected: —

  1. Dr. C. C. Saha—Convenor.
  2. Dr. J. Mallik—Hon. Secretary.
  3. Dr. (Miss.) A. Chakrabortty— Hon. Jt. Secretary.
  4. Dr. A. S. Bhaduri—Treasurer