My Journey…

Of late the buzz in the ENT community is about Cochlear Implants – its misuse by few surgeons (implanting those who may not benefit thereby wasting Govt and Philanthropists money for their benefit) and also about the formation of a closed group by select ENT surgeons belonging to an association.  It seems that this closed group of few “Elite Surgeons” which includes some well known names are limiting others from doing these procedures. The reason: “BENEFITS” or KICKBACKS – what else. More info posted in My Musings.

This controversy reminds me of my childhood and most notably an incident which still rings in the back of my head. As stated earlier in this blog my father known for his honesty, integrity was offered lots of “Benefits” for him to “Adjust” for allowing someone to copy in the University exams or passing undeserving candidates. When his mentor became the Principal he started foreseeing the admissions and gave admissions only to deserving or to the poor. I had seen people approaching with briefcases and also calls from Ministers assuring that he will be “Well looked after” if they would accommodate an undeserving candidate- but the answer was always no.

If this was not enough he was also known to the late CM Mr. M.G. Ramachandran to the extent that Mr. Thirunavakarassu came home to meet my father and find out the reason why Dr. MGR was talking high about him. If only it was someone they would have been a millionaire but for my father these were against his principles. Not only this he is known to many MPs, Ministers (Central and State), IAS, IPS officers and to a host of VVIPS, but he never bothered to use them. All this at a time when we were struggling to make ends meet, a time when Rs.3 was a luxury, a time when the only gift I used to give was a pair of handkerchief since it costs just Rs.5, a time when I could not participate in any of the cultural events or tours because it was not affordable, a time when my brothers old dress was my new one, a time when for festivals I used to visit my Uncles place to enjoy the basics which to us were luxuries (cake, biscuits, fruits, sweets), a time when monthly debt was the dictum be it a fancy store, bread shop, pharmacy or doctor…yes I still remember those days wherein every month I would accompany him and part of the debt will be settled.

He was one of the brains behind drafting the successful election manifesto of the current CM when she stood for elections the first time! I know how many have benefited just using her name and here my father was not bothered to utilize his close proximity!!

For him the only assets which he cherishes even now are his children, one of the reasons why he became my role model and because of which I blindly followed his way of life and till date try to be as much ethical and patient oriented as possible till now…

One day I was extremely frustrated at our financial position more so when my father was not making use of his contacts for climbing the ladder of prosperity and position. This was further compounded by the fact that people less educated, intelligent and resourceful than him were climbing the ladder and here I was not even able to afford a cake or go on a picnic of my choice.
I still remember that day, he was lying down and me with all my frustration asked him – Why don’t you also get money, use the contacts and come up in life so that we can live comfortably and people will visit our home and start respecting us. My father got up stared at me for a very long time and said – I hailed from a remote village which does not even have a proper toilet or bathroom, where to get water one has to travel 15Kms everyday, where only Tamil was the medium of education, where things taken for granted and assumed to be basic comforts in the city are very very huge luxuries. In spite of these odds I have come this far, I have made so many contacts, this is my life, my duty is to provide you with clothing, food and very good education, which I am doing. Please don’t hurt me by saying these, see if you can come up in life and make a name much more than mine, see if you can make the world say this is Kumaresh”s father and not vice versa, see if you can make me proud, it is easier to be corrupt but very difficult to be clean – see if you can come up being ethical, non corrupt and clean.

It was those words which made me to resolve that I will come up in life the way my father wanted me to. I have achieved all these and much more. Not sure whether it was his blessings or because of the prayers and blessing of those whom he had helped which has made me reach this level. Not sure whether this was the reason which made me to get an observer post and impress my referee Dr. Jackler or which got me fellowships or this position or for that matter for me to fight against my disease and survive.

If only I had a father who was different I too may have been flexible and received lots of benefits like some Elite CI surgeons, but on the other hand I would not have been able to establish one of the most enviable practice in spite of all limitations, would not have received International acclaim, I may not have made money but I have won the hearts and blessings of many most importantly my patients…

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