Rabindra Nath Chakravarti obtained his MBBS (1948) from the University of Lucknow; and DTM&H (1957) and DPhil (Med) (1961) from the University of Calcutta. His specialization was in pathology and experimental medicine. He was Professor and Head of Experimental Medicine as well as of Department of Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and Scientist, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow (1952-62).

Academic and Research Achievements: Chakravarti had carried out extensive research on the pathogenesis and therapeutic control of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and ischaemic heart disease in laboratory animals including subhuman primates. He developed experimental models of human diseases in animals and highlighted their similarity to the human conditions. He also showed that diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can regress atherosclerosis in monkeys and indomethacin, a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), can effectively inhibit the atherogenic process. This drug was also a potent anti-hypertensive agent in experimental renal hypertension.

Other Contributions: Chakravarti established the Department of Experimental Medicine at the PGIMER, Chandigarh. He was Member of Toxicology Review Committee of ICMR; Scientific Advisory Committee of National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad; Research Council of Industrial Toxicological Research Centre, Lucknow; and of other bodies. He served as member, Editorial Boards of Indian Heart Journal; Indian Journal of Experimental Biology and Lab Animal Sci J. He co-edited Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Heart Disease and Medical Research Monographs.

Awards and Honours: Ckakravarti was a recipient of Dr BC Roy National Award; ICMR Award in Cardiovascular Disease; Amrut Modi Foundation Award; Dr VR Khanolkar Award of National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) and API Lectureship Gold Medal. He was a Fellow of International Chiropractors Association (USA); National Academy of Medical Sciences (India); and Founder President of Indian Society for Atherosclerosis Research.