Mention the phrase ‘good old Bangalore’ and more often than not one thinks of Basavanagudi. A leafy neighbourhood steeped in history and heritage; Basavanagudi is one of the oldest localities of the city. While it is known for its old world charm, heritage temples and ancient bungalows, the area was also home to a bevy of legendary doctors. Doctors who scaled great heights inspite of all odds; doctors who were pioneers in their own fields and doctors who had tremendous foresight. Did you know that these exemplary doctors of Basavanagudi started institutions like the famous Bangalore Medical College and Vani Vilas? Well, unearthing such compelling facts is the specially curated photo exhibition put together by Maya Chandra of Maya Films at Indian Institute of World Culture in Basavanagudi.
The exhibition aptly titled “A Vintage Salute” was inaugurated by famous cardiac surgeon Dr. Vivek Jawli who himself was a resident of N R colony in Basavanagudi. The photos trace the inspiring lives of about 34 doctors and has about 70 frames. Each frame carries a wealth of information about these stalwarts.
Dr. B K Narayan Rao
" data-orig-size="1600,900" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />Dr. B K Narayan RaoIt features doctors like Dr. B K Narayan Rao (1884 – 1966) who was the first eye surgeon of Mysore State and founder of the famous Prabha Eye Clinic. He was also one of the founders of Bangalore Medical College and was the personal physician to the Maharaja of Mysore and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The journey of Dr. M. Mary Ratnamma Isaac who received the Padma Shri in 1959 is truly exemplary. She ran a maternity home – Ratnamma’s Maternity Home (RMH) at her spacious bungalow – situated at the corner of Ranga Rao Road. Here, she also trained local villagers in midwifery and conducted extensive social work in nearby communities. The exhibition has pictures of her medical case book, stethoscope and even her work desk.
A child widow at the age of 8, Dr Nagamma who was one of the founders of the Vani Vilas hospital was a legend in her own right. She finished her LMP in 1927 and went on to dedicate her life to social service for which she was recognized by the President of India who conferred her with an award.
Whether it is the achievements of Dr. Gunasheela who delivered south India’s first IVF baby in 1988 or Dr Y N Krishnamurthy who was first radiologist for the Mysore Province. the photo exhibition is engaging in more ways than one.
The exhibition covers doctors from the fields of allopathy, ayurveda, mental health and homeopathy. The lives of pioneers like Dr. Acharya who was one of the oldest homeopathy doctor in Basavanagudi has also been portrayed.
The exhibition is on till 7-Jul and is at the Indian Institute of World Culture, 6, BP Wadia Rd, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004. You can read more about it in The Hindu.
