Nandyal, July 1: Sri Ramakrishna Degree College, Nandyal, celebrated National Doctors’ Day with great enthusiasm on Wednesday by organizing a special awareness programme honoring the invaluable contributions of medical professionals.

The chief guest for the occasion was Dr. C. Madhusudhan Rao, a renowned ENT specialist from Nandyal and former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Nandyal District. The programme was attended by Prof. G. Ramakrishna Reddy, Chairman of Sri Ramakrishna Educational Institutions, faculty members M. Imtiaz Ahmed, M. Sravani Kumari, M.S.R. Prasad, other teaching staff, and a large gathering of students.

The event commenced in a traditional manner with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by a prayer song.

Welcome Address

Ms. M. Sravani Kumari, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, welcomed the gathering and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Madhusudhan Rao for accepting the college’s invitation despite his demanding schedule of serving patients.

Recalling the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized that doctors had risked their own lives, stayed away from their families, and worked tirelessly day and night to save thousands of lives.

“Doctors are the living gods who protect our lives. It is the responsibility of every individual in society to respect the medical profession and its practitioners,” she said.

She then led all the students in taking a solemn pledge to always honor and respect doctors for their selfless service to society.

Inspirational Address by M.S.R. Prasad

Mr. M.S.R. Prasad, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, delivered a motivational speech emphasizing the timeless saying, “Health is Wealth.”

He explained that no matter how wealthy a person may be, health cannot simply be purchased with money once it is lost. Referring to today’s digital era, he cautioned students against relying entirely on Google searches or Artificial Intelligence (AI) for medical advice, warning that self-diagnosis could be dangerous. Instead, he urged them to consult qualified medical professionals whenever health issues arise.

Quoting the Sanskrit phrase “Vaidyo Narayano Hari” (The doctor is equivalent to Lord Narayana), he highlighted that the true value of a doctor is realized during life-threatening situations and called upon everyone to remain grateful to the medical fraternity.

Chairman Prof. G. Ramakrishna Reddy’s Address:

“India’s Medical Heritage and the Social Service of Dr. Madhusudhan Rao”

Addressing the gathering, Prof. G. Ramakrishna Reddy, Chairman of Sri Ramakrishna Educational Institutions, praised the indispensable role of doctors in nation-building and community welfare.

Introducing the chief guest to the students, he said that Dr. Madhusudhan Rao’s contributions extend far beyond hospital services.

“Dr. Madhusudhan Rao has established a charitable trust to support higher education for economically disadvantaged students and provide medical assistance to the poor. As Director of Kalaaradhana, he has been identifying talented school students and mentoring them towards excellence.”

He further appreciated Dr. Rao’s pioneering efforts in utilizing modern technology, noting that he was among the first in the Nandyal region to telecast live surgeries for the benefit of fellow medical professionals.

Prof. Ramakrishna Reddy also admired Dr. Rao’s passion for theatre and fine arts. Recalling India’s glorious medical heritage, he spoke about the legendary ancient surgeon Sushruta, regarded as the Father of Plastic Surgery, and remarked that Sushruta’s statue in London stands as a matter of pride for every Indian.

In recognition of his remarkable medical and social services, the college management and faculty felicitated Dr. C. Madhusudhan Rao with a ceremonial shawl and a memento.

Keynote Address by Dr. C. Madhusudhan Rao

Delivering an inspiring keynote address, Dr. C. Madhusudhan Rao, eminent ENT specialist and chief guest, elaborated on the vital role of modern medicine (Allopathy) in improving public health and protecting humanity from life-threatening diseases.

He emphasized that:

“Age is just a number. How active we remain depends entirely on how well we maintain our physical and mental health.”

Sharing his own experiences, he explained that even today his mornings begin with complex surgeries, proving that one can remain energetic and productive even in later years.

He also introduced students to the services provided by Madhu Mani Nursing Home.

Speaking about his commitment to society, Dr. Rao shared the inspiring story of leading the modernization of the Hindu crematorium on Bhimavaram Road. Personally visiting households, he helped mobilize nearly ₹4 crore in donations to develop the crematorium with modern facilities.

He further explained the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai—the secret to a meaningful and long life—encouraging students to discover purpose, reduce stress, and lead balanced lives.

Presenting historical statistics, he noted that India’s average life expectancy was about 41 years in 1950, whereas today it has increased to approximately 71–72 years, thanks to revolutionary advancements in medical science and technology.

Two Golden Principles for Healthy Living

Dr. Rao advised students to follow two essential principles for lifelong health:

1. Balanced Nutrition:
Avoid junk food and consume a nutritious, balanced diet every day to strengthen immunity and prevent the majority of diseases.

2. Early Detection:
Modern medical technology has advanced tremendously. Most diseases can be treated successfully if they are diagnosed in their early stages, significantly improving the chances of complete recovery.

Interactive Session and Prize Distribution

Following his lecture, an engaging interactive session was conducted where students raised questions related to health, medical education, career opportunities in medicine, and lifestyle management.

Dr. Madhusudhan Rao patiently answered every question with simple explanations and practical examples, making the session highly informative and engaging.

Students who actively participated by asking questions were presented with spiral notebooks and pens as tokens of encouragement. Among them, two students who posed the most thoughtful and insightful questions received special prizes from Dr. Rao.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Chairman, Principal, teaching and non-teaching staff, and a large number of students.

The celebration concluded on a patriotic note with the singing of the National Anthem, marking the successful completion of a memorable and inspiring National Doctors’ Day celebration.