Dr Naba J Borah: A Neurosurgeon with a Golden Touch
Heramba Nath
(A profile of Dr Naba J Borah, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Health City Hospital, Guwahati — a man whose healing hands and compassionate heart have redefined the art of medicine in Assam.)
In the intricate and demanding world of modern medicine, only a few individuals embody the rare combination of technical brilliance, human empathy, and ethical commitment. Their lives extend beyond the confines of operation theatres and lecture halls, touching hearts and transforming lives in ways that cannot be measured in accolades alone. Among these extraordinary figures stands Dr Naba J Borah, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, and formerly associated with GNRC Hospitals, Dispur. With more than two decades in medicine, and over fifteen years of specialised neurosurgical experience, Dr Borah’s journey is a testament not only to surgical mastery but also to profound devotion to humanity. For the people of Northeast India, having a neurosurgeon of his calibre represents both fortune and inspiration.
Born and nurtured in the culturally rich Nagaon district of Assam, Dr Borah grew up in a family where values such as discipline, integrity, and reverence for knowledge were deeply ingrained. His father, a respected administrative teacher, became the guiding beacon instilling clarity of purpose and ethical rigor, while his mother, a devoted homemaker, infused his upbringing with warmth, empathy, and humility. Throughout his formative years, she maintained a quiet, unwavering dedication to his education, health, and character, ensuring that he matured into a grounded, conscientious, and gentle human being. These early influences laid the foundation for the qualities that would later define him: honesty, diligence, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
Even as a schoolchild, Dr Borah exhibited exceptional academic brilliance. Teachers observed in him a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, disciplined study habits, and an eagerness to explore knowledge beyond textbooks. While he received his early education in an Assamese-medium school until Class Ten—a factor some might perceive as a barrier to advanced learning—his subsequent academic achievements decisively proved otherwise. His seamless success through MBBS, MS (Surgery), and MCh (Neurosurgery) reflected not only his brilliance but also the power of determination and dedication, inspiring thousands of young students across Assam to pursue careers in medicine.
Alongside academics, he nurtured a keen interest in quizzes, debates, and intellectual discussions. These pursuits sharpened his analytical abilities and honed his articulation skills, preparing him to become a trusted communicator and counsellor to patients and families. As he matured, his peers and teachers admired him not merely for scholastic achievement but for his poise, humility, and thoughtfulness.
During his medical studies, Dr Borah distinguished himself as a student of extraordinary calibre. His professors repeatedly lauded his punctuality, sincerity, and quiet determination, noting his ability to comprehend complex concepts deeply, ask insightful questions, and translate theoretical knowledge into precise clinical judgment. He completed his MBBS, MS, and MCh from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH)—the most prestigious medical institution in Northeast India. Notably, he also served as General Secretary of the Students’ Union, demonstrating leadership qualities that complemented his academic dedication. His fascination with neurosurgery emerged naturally from a desire to understand the intricate architecture of the human brain and nervous system—a field demanding precision, concentration, and mental resilience, all qualities deeply embedded in his character.
Dr Borah’s academic accomplishments are remarkable. He secured the highest marks in the MCh entrance examination conducted by Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS) and was recognised as the Best Postgraduate Student in Surgery by Gauhati University. Beyond examinations, he actively engaged in seminars, workshops, and academic conferences, constantly refining his skills. Even today, he remains a student of medicine, committed to lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest neurosurgical advancements.
As a neurosurgeon, Dr Borah trained under some of the finest minds in India and abroad. Rigorous practice, advanced workshops, and participation in national and international conferences sharpened his skills. Yet, alongside technical mastery, he cultivated an extraordinary human sensitivity—a quality that distinguishes him from many in the profession. He continues to mentor young surgeons, guide postgraduate students, and contribute significantly to neurosurgical research and education, ensuring that the next generation inherits both skill and values.
At present, as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, Dr Borah leads a dedicated team managing some of the most complicated brain and spine cases. His expertise spans brain tumours, aneurysms, spinal disorders, strokes, congenital malformations, and traumatic head injuries. Official records credit him with performing over 10,000 brain and spine surgeries, placing him among the most accomplished neurosurgeons in the region. Yet what truly sets him apart is not merely volume or recognition—it is the spirit with which he approaches each case. Whether minor or high-risk, every procedure receives the same care, patience, and respect. Colleagues describe his calm presence in the operation theatre as almost spiritual, transforming anxiety into assurance and uncertainty into confidence.
Outside the theatre, Dr Borah is equally revered. Patients and families often recount the healing power of his words. He listens attentively, explains complex conditions with clarity, and reassures with humility and warmth. In an era when medical practice increasingly prioritises efficiency over empathy, his approach is a luminous exception, exemplifying true medical ethics.
I personally witnessed his compassion when my father-in-law suffered a sudden brain stroke. Amid fear and confusion, Dr Borah became the anchor of hope for our family. His calm assurance, soft-spoken confidence, and unwavering presence transformed despair into courage. The emergency surgery he performed required extraordinary skill and vigilance, and the recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Throughout, his meticulous care reflected not only professional brilliance but also a profound human kindness.
My own encounter as a patient further reinforced my admiration. Suffering from a Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PIVD L5/S1), I faced debilitating pain and anxiety. Dr Borah’s kindness, clarity, and thorough consultation reassured me completely. The surgery, conducted under his supervision, restored my mobility and relieved pain. His post-operative guidance, personal attention, and empathetic follow-ups were invaluable. Today, I remain free of pain and forever grateful to him.
Stories like mine resonate across Assam and the Northeast. Patients travel from distant towns, even neighbouring states, seeking not just his surgical expertise but the sense of security his presence offers. Colleagues describe him as disciplined, meticulous, and ethical; nurses and staff respect his humility, approachability, and fairness. He fosters a work environment where collaboration and compassion thrive.
Dr Borah’s personality embodies a harmonious blend of science and humanity. His soft-spoken nature, thoughtful pauses, gentle humour, and warm eye contact create an aura of calm, even in high-pressure situations. His words carry sincerity, his actions reflect empathy, and his dedication is effortless—not a professional obligation, but an intrinsic part of his character.
Despite decades of service, numerous awards, and widespread recognition, he remains remarkably humble. He treats every patient with dignity and warmth, never allowing prestige to overshadow empathy. In an increasingly commercialised medical world, he stands as a guardian of the true values of medicine.
Beyond surgery, Dr Borah actively participates in public health education, delivering talks, seminars, and awareness programmes. He explains neurological conditions in accessible language, helping communities understand preventive care and early recognition of symptoms. His engagement is rooted in service, not promotion—a reflection of his selfless approach.
He has also contributed extensively to medical academies and research forums, mentoring postgraduate students and young neurosurgeons. His guidance encompasses not just surgical technique but also professional ethics, discipline, and compassionate patient care. For many emerging neurosurgeons, he is a model of excellence both inside and outside the operating theatre.
Dr Borah’s career is adorned with numerous accolades: Fellowship in Endoscopic Neurosurgery (FENS), Fellowship in Pain Medicine (FIPM), Torrent Young Scholar Award in Neurosurgery (2013), Young Neurosurgeons’ Scholarship by the Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (2013), and recognition by GNRC Hospitals on its 37th Foundation Day. In 2025, he and his team received the Economic Times Industry Leaders Northeast 2025 Award in Healthcare for Excellence in Neuro and Spine Surgery—a recognition of the team’s innovation, dedication, and world-class patient care.
What makes Dr Borah’s story truly remarkable is his unwavering commitment to Assam and the Northeast. While many trained professionals seek opportunities abroad, he chose to serve his homeland. His dedication reflects a silent patriotism rooted not in words but in actions, ensuring safety, trust, and hope for countless families.
Dr Borah’s life also embraces artistic sensitivity. He writes poems and short stories in Assamese, revealing the same gentleness that guides his medical practice. His artistic temperament complements his scientific mind, offering depth, introspection, and emotional intelligence—qualities that enhance his healing touch.
A poetic tribute captures the essence of his journey:
In Assam’s gentle heart they say,
A healer walks in lighted way.
With steady hands and mind so clear,
He turns despair to hope sincere.
The brain, the spine, the fragile nerve,
Bend to the skill he has the verve.
Ten thousand lives, a whispered grace,
Each soul restored, each fearful face.
Calm as dawn, yet fierce as flame,
In every patient, he knows their name.
Not just a doctor, but a guide,
A gentle presence by their side.
Through sleepless nights and endless care,
He meets each trial with wisdom rare.
No limelight sought, no boastful claim,
Yet thousands honour his silent fame.
Patriot of heart, healer of land,
A life devoted by gentle hand.
May every blessing attend his way,
And light of hope grow day by day.
For in his touch, both sure and kind,
Resides the peace we long to find.
Dr Naba J Borah, a beacon true,
In every life, his soul shines through.
May the Almighty bless him abundantly with unwavering strength, steady hands, and the wisdom to make precise, life-saving decisions in the most critical moments. May his vision remain clear, his mind sharp, and his heart ever open to the pain and hopes of those who come seeking his care. In every gesture, every surgical procedure, and every word of comfort, may he continue to embody the rare combination of skill, dedication, and deep humanity that defines a true healer.
The people of Assam and the entire Northeast are indeed fortunate to have such a gifted neurosurgeon among them—one whose golden touch restores not only the body but also hope, faith, and courage to patients and their families. His humane approach, boundless patience, and relentless pursuit of excellence have illuminated countless lives, bringing relief where there was despair and light where there was darkness. May his journey continue to inspire generations of medical professionals, reminding the world that true greatness lies not only in mastery of a craft but in the compassion and empathy with which it is wielded.
May every step he takes be guided by wisdom, every decision by clarity, and every endeavour by the enduring desire to serve humanity, so that his legacy of healing, hope, and humility continues to shine as a beacon for years to come.
Dr Naba J Borah’s story transcends the simple contours of a biography; it is far more than the tale of a neurosurgeon’s achievements. It is the story of hope born in the face of adversity, of resilience that rises steadily amid challenges, and of devotion so profound that it transforms lives with each quiet act of care. His life cannot be measured merely by the accolades he has earned or the positions he holds, for its true worth is counted in the blessings of those whose suffering he has eased, in the courage he has rekindled in the hearts of the ailing, and in the hope he has restored when despair seemed overwhelming.
In an age often consumed by noise, recognition, and the clatter of public approval, Dr Borah stands as a living testament to the enduring power of silent service. His greatness is not broadcast with fanfare; it resonates quietly in the grateful smiles of patients, in the relief of anxious families, and in the whispered prayers offered for his health and wellbeing. Each life he touches becomes a story of restored faith, of renewed strength, and of humanity reaffirmed.
Yet beyond the operating theatre and the meticulous precision of his craft, there lies an even deeper dimension of Dr Borah’s legacy. It is a legacy of empathy, of an unwavering commitment to place others’ needs above personal ambition, and of a vision of medicine not as a profession of prestige, but as a vocation of compassion. Every surgery he undertakes, every patient he consoles, and every challenge he faces is imbued with this profound sense of purpose. Through his actions, he silently proclaims that true excellence is not measured by what the world sees, but by what the heart gives in service to others.
In this narrative of life, courage, and selfless dedication, Dr Naba J Borah’s journey inspires not only aspiring medical professionals but all who witness the quiet heroism of a life dedicated to humanity. He reminds us that the most enduring impact of a life well-lived is the light it casts on others, the hope it restores, and the compassion it spreads. His story is an ode to the extraordinary strength of the human spirit when it is guided by empathy, humility, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others.