This Puja season, a club in South Kolkata plans to pay homage to a scientist who played a pivotal role in developing the Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. They will do this by creating an idol of Goddess Durga in her likeness.
Chandraboli Dutta, a resident of Golf Garden, served as the quality assurance manager at Oxford University in England during the development of the viral vector vaccine known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, which was later sold under the brand name Covishield in India.
In recognition of her contributions, the Young Mens’ Association Durga Puja committee in Behala is crafting an idol that resembles Chandraboli Dutta. The idol will be placed within a pandal designed to resemble a laboratory, complete with laptops and other equipment.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Chandraboli talked about her work and the recognition. About her role in the making of the vaccine, she said, "I was employed as a key worker during the pandemic, which meant that while the entire country was under lockdown, I had to put my life at risk to go to work. Alongside this, there was significant time pressure, as our project had to be completed as expeditiously as possible. My primary role was to guarantee the safety of the initial clinical batch of the vaccine produced in our facility, which was intended for use in clinical trials. This involved ensuring that every stage of the manufacturing process adhered to stringent quality assurance and compliance standards."
Expressing her gratitude about the recognition for her work in the form of a Puja pandal, she said-“I still can't believe that this is happening; it feels like a dream. I am genuinely thrilled and deeply honoured. It's heartening to see science being featured in a religious celebration, underscoring the idea that saving lives and humanity transcends everything. This representation symbolizes the defeat of the demon Covid virus, akin to how Ma Durga vanquishes the Asur.
“I am immensely grateful that my dedication and hard work have played a role in saving human lives. Throughout my years in the pharmaceutical industry, I have dedicated myself to making the lives of people better."
Chandraboli is currently working on vaccines for rare diseases, and is determined to continue working hard through my life to ensure human lives are saved.
