Sankara Nethralaya celebrated the 84th birth anniversary of our visionary founder, Dr. SS Badrinath, with a heartfelt tribute, honoring his significant contributions to healthcare and ophthalmology. The commemorative event took place on February 24, 2024, at the College Road campus, where a bust of Dr. SS Badrinath was unveiled to symbolize his enduring legacy.

Shri R. Rajaji, a beneficiary of Dr. Badrinath’s services and a close friend, had the honor of unveiling the bust. In his address, he expressed his deep respect and fond memories of their friendship.

In a move to immortalize Dr. Badrinath’s vision and leadership, Sankara Nethralaya also announced the naming of College Road campus as the “Padma Bhushan Dr. S. S. Badrinath Campus.” The naming ceremony, marked by the inauguration of the new name board by Ramadurai, former CEO of TCS, was attended by esteemed guests including Padma Bhushan Kavi Perarasu Vairamuthu, Padma Shri Nalli Kuppusami Chetti, Tamil novelist Smt. Sivasankari, and Shri Gandhi Kannadasan of Kannadhasan Pathippagham.

A poignant moment unfolded as hospital staff, former patients, donors, and well-wishers gathered to witness the release of ‘Vizhikalil Oliyettrum Sankara Nethralaya’, a book penned by Shri. AP Irungovel and illustrated by Shri. Maniam Selvan. Published by Kannadasan Publishing House, the book encapsulates the institution’s journey and was graciously released by Shri. G. Rajendran, chairman of GRT Jewellers, with the first copy received by Dr. Nirmala Subramanian, professor, Department of Oculoplasty Services.

In his address, Sankara Nethralaya’s Chairman Dr. TS Surendran reminisced about Dr. Badrinath’s humility, highlighting his reluctance for personal accolades. He underscored the significance of the book, curated to honor Dr. Badrinath’s legacy, with the proceeds from its sales dedicated to the distribution of food to the underprivileged patients getting treated in Sankara Nethralaya’s St. Thomas Mount campus.

Shri. Nalli Kuppusamy Chetti, reflecting on his association with Dr. Badrinath during their school days, expressed his reverence for the renowned ophthalmologist. Smt. Sivasankari, a recipient of Dr. Badrinath’s care, hailed his enduring legacy, emphasizing his continued presence and blessings upon the institution. Shri. Vairamuthu lauded Dr. Badrinath’s ethos of discipline, morality, and respect, noting the institution’s transformative impact underpinned by these principles.

The event saw the presence of President and Executive – Medical Director Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, Chairman and Director – Peadiatric Ophthalmology Dr. TS Surendran, Honorary Treasurer Mr. Kannan Narayanan among several other senior consultants.