Our Story
Born from personal loss, built on unconditional love — Subhadra Memorial Trust has been a quiet force for change in Kolkata since 2010.
The Man Behind the Trust
Subal Chandra Basu is not a doctor. He has no connection with the health department. He is not even a family member of the patients he helps. Yet this elderly gentleman — a mechanical engineer by profession who runs his own consultancy firm — is an almost daily presence in government and private hospitals across Kolkata, stepping into whatever role is needed.
Some days he walks into the radiotherapy department of R.G. Kar or Calcutta Medical College, holding the hand of a destitute patient. A person arriving from a remote village who cannot navigate the city — he ensures they see a doctor and arranges their safe return home. Other days he is found at a pharmacy buying medicines for a critical patient, or distributing leaflets to crowds detailing the early warning signs of cancer.
He spends his money, his time, and his energy unconditionally for helpless strangers. To the many cancer patients whose lives he has touched, he is known simply as "Cancer Dadu" — Cancer Grandpa. He has been living alongside cancer for seventeen years, and is himself currently battling bladder cancer. None of that has slowed him down.
Named in memory of his wife, Subhadra Devi — the Trust carries her name so her story is never forgotten.
15+
Years of service
The Man Who Became
"Cancer Dadu"
"He is not a doctor. He has no connection with the health department. He isn't even a family member of the patients. Yet this elderly gentleman is an almost daily presence in hospitals across Kolkata — stepping into whatever role is needed."
After losing his wife Subhadra Devi to cancer, Subal Basu — a mechanical engineer by profession — turned his grief into a lifelong mission. Now an octogenarian battling bladder cancer himself, he continues his rounds. Patients across West Bengal know him as Cancer Dadu — a man who has been living alongside cancer, and for cancer patients, for seventeen years.
A Personal Loss
Subal Babu lost his wife to cancer. That grief did not turn inward — it turned outward, into a lifelong commitment to ensure no destitute patient faces the illness alone.
Into the Hospitals
He began showing up — at R.G. Kar, at Calcutta Medical College, at private hospitals off the Bypass — guiding patients, buying medicines, translating the city for those who had never left their villages.
The Trust is Founded
In 2010, he formalised his mission by founding Subhadra Memorial Trust — named in memory of his wife Subhadra Devi — to give his work structure, reach, and permanence.
Cancer Dadu
Now an octogenarian battling bladder cancer himself, he continues his rounds. Patients across West Bengal know him as Cancer Dadu — a man who has been living with cancer, and for cancer patients, for seventeen years.
Our Mission
To uplift marginalised communities across Kolkata and West Bengal through sustained, compassionate action in education, healthcare, women empowerment, sports, and cancer awareness.
Our Vision
A West Bengal where every child learns, every family is healthy, every woman is empowered, and no life is cut short by preventable illness.
Our Core Values
Compassion
We lead with empathy in every interaction, every programme, and every decision.
Transparency
We are accountable to our donors, our beneficiaries, and the communities we serve.
Community First
We listen before we act, and we build alongside the people we aim to help.
Dignity
Every person we serve is treated with the respect and honour they deserve.
Legal & Registration Details
City Office
32, Malanga Lane
Kolkata — 700012
West Bengal, India
- [email protected]
Certifications & Status
Established
2010
Get in touch with us
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