<p>We were classmates in the pre-university course, though in different sections, and I don’t recall speaking to him during that time. We shared similar interests, having opted for PCMB subjects. While he joined MBBS at Mysore Medical College, being underage by six months, I pursued Zoology in my BSc, secured first rank and secured a government quota for a medical seat at JJMMC, Davanagere. I transferred to Mysuru Medical College for my second year, where my batchmate was already an intern at KR Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital.</p>.<p>In fact, his father, Dr Anke Gowda, was the medical superintendent of the Cheluvamba Children’s and Maternity Hospital and the head of the department of paediatric medicine. During paediatric postings, his father would explain childhood diseases and proudly share stories about his son’s health. I recall Dr Gowda saying, “Look at my son Shekar, the Clive Lloyd of Mysore Medical College. When Shekar had measles at two, my colleagues advised against non-vegetarian food, but he was fed chicken soup, and he recovered far more quickly.”</p>.<p>Beyond academics, Shekar and I played together in the college orchestra, with me on the mandolin and him on the guitar. I used to play Kannada and Hindi songs, with Shekar accompanying as guitarist. During the practice sessions, under the guidance of our OBG Prof Dr Rajamma, Shekar stayed only until he ate the samosas which were served at the end of an hour of practice. By that time, we would have rehearsed Dum maro dum and Baanallu neene at least twice. After the samosas, Shekar would quickly depart, saying, “Nammamma kaitaa irtaare” (my mother would be waiting).</p>.<p>Even after Shekar finished his higher studies and became a diabetologist, never once did he mention to anyone that he is the great grandson of violin maestro Chowdiah and nephew of rebel star . </p>.<p>A recipient of the Dr B C Roy award, this July, Dr M A Shekar, vice chancellor of a reputed medical university in Karnataka, retires after a three-year tenure and four decades of a ‘no-break’ career as professor of medicine and director of a diabetology institute in Karnataka. I can’t help but feel proud that I have known the distinguished doctor for half a century! I have had the memorable occasion to share the stage with him at the Mysuru Medical College Alumni Association gatherings, especially last year when our alma mater, Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, turned 100 years old.</p>.<p>On Doctor’s Day (July 1), I salute Dr M A Shekar for lighting up the lives of many diabetic patients and inspiring students and junior doctors.</p>
<p>We were classmates in the pre-university course, though in different sections, and I don’t recall speaking to him during that time. We shared similar interests, having opted for PCMB subjects. While he joined MBBS at Mysore Medical College, being underage by six months, I pursued Zoology in my BSc, secured first rank and secured a government quota for a medical seat at JJMMC, Davanagere. I transferred to Mysuru Medical College for my second year, where my batchmate was already an intern at KR Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital.</p>.<p>In fact, his father, Dr Anke Gowda, was the medical superintendent of the Cheluvamba Children’s and Maternity Hospital and the head of the department of paediatric medicine. During paediatric postings, his father would explain childhood diseases and proudly share stories about his son’s health. I recall Dr Gowda saying, “Look at my son Shekar, the Clive Lloyd of Mysore Medical College. When Shekar had measles at two, my colleagues advised against non-vegetarian food, but he was fed chicken soup, and he recovered far more quickly.”</p>.<p>Beyond academics, Shekar and I played together in the college orchestra, with me on the mandolin and him on the guitar. I used to play Kannada and Hindi songs, with Shekar accompanying as guitarist. During the practice sessions, under the guidance of our OBG Prof Dr Rajamma, Shekar stayed only until he ate the samosas which were served at the end of an hour of practice. By that time, we would have rehearsed Dum maro dum and Baanallu neene at least twice. After the samosas, Shekar would quickly depart, saying, “Nammamma kaitaa irtaare” (my mother would be waiting).</p>.<p>Even after Shekar finished his higher studies and became a diabetologist, never once did he mention to anyone that he is the great grandson of violin maestro Chowdiah and nephew of rebel star . </p>.<p>A recipient of the Dr B C Roy award, this July, Dr M A Shekar, vice chancellor of a reputed medical university in Karnataka, retires after a three-year tenure and four decades of a ‘no-break’ career as professor of medicine and director of a diabetology institute in Karnataka. I can’t help but feel proud that I have known the distinguished doctor for half a century! I have had the memorable occasion to share the stage with him at the Mysuru Medical College Alumni Association gatherings, especially last year when our alma mater, Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, turned 100 years old.</p>.<p>On Doctor’s Day (July 1), I salute Dr M A Shekar for lighting up the lives of many diabetic patients and inspiring students and junior doctors.</p>
