India has honed the art and science of Otorhinolaryngology since the mythological ages. When Laksmana, the brother of prince Ram amputated the nose of Surpanakha, the sister of King Ravana, the king arranged for some reconstruction for her nose, suggesting some form of rhinoplasty way back in 1500 B.C. Atharva Veda, dating around 1000 B.C. also mentions knowledge of ear, nose and throat diseases. Treatises by Sushruta and Charaka( 500-100 B.C.) mention the earliest method of rhinoplasty by
cheek flaps. They also had chapters describing drugs and treatments for voice disorders, suggesting some
anatomical knowledge of the throat and larynx as the origin of our voice.

In a country with such a rich tradition of otorhinolaryngology knowledge and practice, Dr Satyaban Roy established the Association of Otolaryngologists in West Bengal (AOIWB) in 1951. The association has grown in numbers as well as purview under the able leadership of various stalwarts in our field through the years. Presently there are more than 500 members under different categories- ordinary, life, associate and honorary. Membership is open to any allopathic medical graduate (MBBS) registered preferably with West Bengal State Medical Council or any other State Medical Council of India with postgraduate qualification in ENT and practicing in the field of ENT and Head & Neck diseases except Associate and Honorary members who may not need postgraduate qualification. At the time of enrollment as a member one shall have to sign a code of conduct, which is mainly directed to promote and protect the interest of the patients.

The primary aim of the association is to encourage and advance the study and practice of art and science of ENT & Head and Neck diseases. In addition to conduction of various scientific programs like CMEs,conferences, workshops related to Otorhinolaryngology, our association also engages in increasing awareness about common diseases of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck. The members of our association also actively engage in various social activities like free health check up camps, ENT microsurgery camps, observation of World Deaf Day, screening programmes for different diseases in the gambit of Otorhinolaryngology and Head neck Surgery. To encourage research and excellence in the field of Otorhinolaryngology, the association organizes workshops, temporal bone dissection competitions,instructional courses and also gives away various prizes and awards.

The association publishes a scientific journal, the Bengal Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, quarterly, to showcase significant case reports, research and advancement in our field.

“The rain drop from the sky: If it is caught in hands, it is pure enough for drinking. If it falls in a gutter,its value drops so much that it can’t be used even for washing the feet. If it falls on hot surface, it perishes.

If it falls on lotus leaf, it shines like a pearl and finally, if it falls on oyster, it becomes a pearl. The drop is same, but its existence & worth depend on with whom it associates.”

Always be associated with people who are good at heart.– Swami Vivekananda