“Today is a grand celebration of Sankara Nethralaya’s passion for compassion” the compeer of the evening echoed the title of the book being launched with a sense of jubilation that captured the day’s spirit, the man whose passion had made him take time off his busy schedules and compeer the curtain raiser of the book in Mumbai had brought him all the way to Chennai for its launch in its place of birth. Dr S.Natarajan, Founder-Chairman Aditya Jyot Eye hospital, Mumbai got the proceedings of the Chennai launch of Sankara Nethralaya’s biography, ‘Insight’- A passion for compassion” started with a bang on the 6th of July 2012 at the Sri V.D. Swami Auditorium with rich compliments to his mentor and guide Dr S.S.Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya, describing him as ‘a man fondly known as ‘Chief’ to everyone and a man who stood for excellence in everything he did”.
The melodious invocation song by Bhuvaneswari highlighting Thirumoolar, the ancient Siddhar’s emphasis on maintaining a healthy body as a prerequisite to attaining spirituality was an apt start to the day’s panel discussion on ‘Health Care in India – Evolving Models’. This was followed by Chairman Dr S.Bhaskaran’s warm welcome to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, well-wishers and members of the Sankara Nethralaya family. It was an in-depth speech touching on the genesis, growth and philosophy of Sankara Nethralaya, the role of its dedicated doctors in its success, an interesting note on the birth of the book and its authors and a fervent appeal for contributions.
The Chief Guest of the evening Professor Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan, Vice-Chancellor, The Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University was introduced by Vice-Chairman Dr. T.S.Surendran who highlighted his accomplishments adding his characteristic humour to his speech, this was followed by an introduction of Shri V.V.Ranganathan, the author of ‘Insight’ by Senior General Manager Akila Ganeshan and honouring of both the dignitaries. The most awaited moment of the day, the presentation of the first copy of the book by Chief Guest Dr.Mayilvahanan Natarajan to Senior Board Member, Well-Wisher and Donor Shri Ashok Mehta was celebrated with a thunderous applause.
Delivering the Chief Guest’s address Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan recalled his decades old association with Dr S.S.Badrinath and his memorable first meeting with him when he accompanied his father who was being treated by him at the Vijaya Hospital, Dr. Natarajan recalled his and his father’s utter surprise when Dr S.S.Badrinath thanked them for giving him the opportunity to be of service to such a great man, when they had gone to convey their gratitude for his expert eye care. The distinguished Chief Guest and doyen of education cited 1.Service 2.Teaching & Training and 3.Research as the three pillars of Medical excellence, Dr.Mayilvahanan Natarajan congratulated the achievements of Sankara Nethralaya and its founder as a pioneer and role model, he emphasized the need to record his achievements for future generations and the need to preserve and continue his rich legacy.
The book launch was followed by a most absorbing and informative panel discussion on ‘Health care-Evolving Models” by eminent participants from diverse backgrounds, the vibrant exchange of views by the panelists consisting of Shri S.Gurumurthy, Well-Known Columnist, Dr V.Jagannathan, MD, Star&Allied Health Insurance Company, Dr. Ravindra D Bapat, Prof.Emeritus-Dept of Surgical Gastro Enterology, The Seth G.S Medical College and K.E.M Hospital, Mumbai, Dr.Jacob John, Former Head & Prof of Clinical Virology, CMC, Vellore, Shri V.V Ranganathan, author & entrepreneur and Dr S.S.Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya ably moderated by Shri Ethiraj Govindaraj, Journalist & Founder ‘Spending & Policy Research Foundation’ helped to bring out the different approaches and perceptions to Medicare in the country and ended on a consensus for the need to evolve an exclusive health policy to meet the special needs of the country. It was a highly interactive session with the experts answering a wide range of questions from the audience.
It was truly a day of passion and compassion, the brisk sale of books at the lobby area reflecting the involvement of the audience in the day’s proceedings and their identification with Sankara Nethralaya’s cause, the function ended with dinner for all participants at the roof top.
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