By Jairaj Chhetry
A doctor who became, in the truest sense, synonymous with the very art and science of gynaecology in the Garo Hills, Dr. Ardina Koknal Marak embodied excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication throughout her life’s work.
In the annals of devoted medical service and quiet human excellence, her life stands as a testament to perseverance, intellect, and compassionate duty. Born on the 8th of January, 1952, in Kochugaon in the Bodoland region of Assam, she was the cherished daughter of the late Pa Promison R. Momin and Ma Hejini K. Marak. Raised within a close-knit family, alongside one elder and two younger siblings, her early years were shaped by simplicity, discipline, and deeply rooted values.
From a young age, Dr. Marak displayed a remarkable inclination towards learning. Her formative education began at Tura Christian Girls’ School, where her academic promise soon became evident. In 1970, she passed her Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate examination with distinction, securing a first division—an achievement that reflected both diligence and intellectual brilliance.
That same year, she entered Cotton College in Guwahati, completing her Pre-University Science course in 1971. Guided by a resolute ambition to serve humanity through medicine, she proceeded to Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, where she undertook her MBBS studies. By 1977, she had successfully completed her degree, followed by her internship in 1978, thus entering the noble profession she would honour throughout her life.
Her professional journey commenced at Tura Civil Hospital in 1978, where she served as an Assistant Surgeon. Over the next twelve years, she distinguished herself through tireless dedication and a deep sense of responsibility. Yet, her pursuit of knowledge did not cease. In 1990, she advanced her studies at the Regional Medical College under Manipur University in Imphal, specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She completed her MD in 1991, marking a milestone of profound significance.
Dr. Marak holds the rare distinction of being the first woman from the Koknal community to attain an MD degree. She also stands among the pioneering women of the A’chik community to achieve such academic and professional eminence, her accomplishments serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations.
Upon returning to Tura Civil Hospital after her specialisation, she resumed her service with renewed expertise. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to the care of mothers and children, bringing comfort to the distressed and hope to the vulnerable. In the collective memory of the people of the Garo Hills, her name came to evoke trust, skill, and unwavering dedication—so much so that she was regarded as the very embodiment of excellence in her field.
In due course, she was entrusted with responsibilities at the Maternity and Child Hospital in Tura. There, through quiet perseverance and steadfast commitment, she distinguished herself as a devoted and dependable caregiver. Her service in the Government Hospital reflected discipline, humility, and an unshakeable sense of duty, continuing until her retirement on the 31st of January, 2011.
Retirement, however, did not mark the end of her service. Through her association with the National Rural Health Mission, she continued to contribute as a contractual practitioner, offering her knowledge and experience for the welfare of the community.
Alongside this narrative of professional excellence emerges another portrait—one of grace, resilience, and moral strength. She was married to Dr. Prabhat Kusum Das on the 14th of September, 1978, a union that reflected shared values of service and commitment. From an early age, she exhibited a gentle disposition and an earnest inclination toward service. Her upbringing, marked by simplicity and moral strength, shaped her character in profound ways.
As she grew, she developed both intellectual acuity and a compassionate heart, dedicating herself to the care of others. Though her journey was not without trials, she bore them with dignity and resilience. Through perseverance and quiet determination, she fulfilled her duties with grace, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and selfless service.
In reflecting upon her life, one is reminded that true greatness often resides not in loud acclaim, but in silent, steadfast devotion to the well-being of others. The life and service of Dr. Ardina Koknal Marak remain a luminous example of such greatness—an enduring inspiration to all who aspire to serve with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength.
