In the United States, National Doctors' Day is a day on which the service of physicians to the nation is recognized annually. Similar days have been declared in many other countries. National Doctors' Day is also celebrated on July 1 all across India to honour the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was born on July 1, 1882 and died on the same date in 1962, aged 80 years. Dr Roy was honoured with the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on February 4, 1961. Every year this holiday is celebrated in India on the 1st of July. This observance fulfills a need to show the doctors and physicians in our lives how important they are to us and how invaluable their treatments are that cure us. The celebrations are indicative of the respect that they command in the lives of their patients and thus obligate them to fulfill their responsibilities as well.