In Memoriam:
Dr. Sakti Das (1939-2024)
Founder of the Tagore Program on Literature, Culture, and Philosophy
The Institute for South Asia Studies (ISAS) at the University of California, Berkeley, is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Sakti Das, the visionary founder of the Tagore Program on Literature, Culture, and Philosophy. Dr. Das was not only a distinguished medical professional but also a passionate advocate for Rabindranath Tagore’s humanistic ideals, which he sought to share with the world through his academic and philanthropic efforts.
Dr. Das’s lifelong dedication to Tagore's legacy was embodied in his establishment of the Tagore Program at UC Berkeley. Under his patronage, the program became a vital platform for the interdisciplinary exploration of Tagore's contributions to literature, culture, philosophy, and education. Dr. Das was committed to advancing dialogue on Tagore’s vision of a more inclusive, enlightened world, and his work with ISAS fostered important conversations around these themes at the heart of South Asian studies.
A native of Kolkata, Dr. Das was profoundly shaped by Tagore’s writings from an early age. This intellectual and cultural influence stayed with him throughout his life, culminating in the creation of a program that brought together scholars, artists, and thinkers to explore Tagore’s rich and diverse oeuvre. Dr. Das believed deeply in Tagore’s concept of a holistic, human-centered education, and through the Tagore Program, he ensured that future generations of students and scholars at Berkeley and beyond could engage with these ideas.
In addition to his contributions to the humanities, Dr. Das was an internationally renowned urologist. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and Canada, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Das was Professor of Urology at the University of California, Davis. He authored nearly 200 scientific articles and book chapters, and edited or co-edited 11 textbooks, training numerous urology residents and fellows throughout his career. He also served as the historian for the American Urological Association and was recognized with numerous awards, including the AUA’s Humanitarian Recognition Award in 2022.
Dr. Das’s compassion extended far beyond the medical field. In retirement, he continued to champion global humanitarian efforts, supporting primary education centers and orphanages in India, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Niger. His commitment to social justice and philanthropy, alongside his academic and medical accomplishments, exemplified the ideals that Rabindranath Tagore himself espoused.
Dr. Das is survived by his wife, Dr. Maya Mitra Das, an oncologist, poet and writer, and their son, Rajarshi "Raja" Das.
The Institute for South Asia Studies mourns the loss of Dr. Sakti Das, whose leadership, vision, and generosity have left a lasting imprint on our academic community. Through the Tagore Program, his legacy will continue to inspire students and scholars to engage with the profound humanistic values that he held so dear.
We extend our deepest condolences to Maya di, Raja, their family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.