On 23rd August 2008, the Rural Eye Hospital Campus, St Thomas Mount, was dedicated to the memory of the Late Dr V G Appukutty.
Dr VG Appukutty was an eminent paediatric anaesthesiologist in Chennai and was also well known nationally and internationally. He was a close friend, well-wisher, guide and mentor to the Sankara Nethralaya family, having been associated with the hospital since its inception. He also donated family property to the hospital on which the Rural Eye Hospital and Elite School of Optometry are now running their services.An arch bearing the name of Dr V G Appukutty was unveiled by Professor Chris Dodds, Senior Vice President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, and Consultant Anaesthetist, Academic Department, at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Uk, to commemorate Dr VG Appukutty, at the function. A photo exhibition with pictures of Dr VG Appukutty’s association with the Nethralaya family, his involvement with the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists, Anaesthesia Foundation, his overseas visits and of his family were on display. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Bharathy, Chairman of the Alandur Muncipality, who also unveiled a portrait of Dr V G Appukutty which will be permanently installed at the hospital premises. This function was well attended. Poor feeding also took place, the first food packet was given by Prof Chris Dodds. The members of Dr VG Appukutty’s family, his wife, daughters and son from the USA and his brother Mr Venkatachallam and all the immediate family attended the function.