There is a proverb in Kannada which goes like “Aadu muttada soppilla”. The literal meaning of the proverb is that there is no such leaf that goats donot eat. This proverb is very apt for Belle Monappa Hegde popularly known as Dr.BM Hegde, a renowned cardiologist, medical scientist, educationist motivational speaker and author. The proverb could be slightly altered to describe the total personality of Dr. Hegde – “BM Hegde mathanadada vishayavilla.” which means that there are no topics which BM Hegde did not speak about. It will not be exaggeration if we say that Dr. BM Hegde is an encyclopaedia himself. A visit to his web site www.bmhegde.com provides full description of his contributions in the form of articles, research papers on various topics. This includes medicine, health, nutrition, philosophy, spirituality, yoga, diet, communal harmony, corruption, culture, education, technology, politics and so on.
The conferring of Padma Vibhushan to Dr. Hegde, the second highest civilian award by the Government of India, is a highly deserving honour to him in recognition with his contribution to the field of Medicine. But his contributions and service to the society is not limited to the field of medicine. His exceptional service to the humanity by ways of education and by creating awareness among people on health and other issues of concern has made him an iconic personality and a celebrity not only India but around the world.
Dr BM Hegde was born on 18th August 1938 in Pangala, Udupi. He is an 82-year veteran, a living legend with a multi-faceted personality. Even though he is a qualified allopathic medical doctor specialised in Cardiology, he also considered other medical systems like Ayurvedic and Homeopathy on equal terms. His approach to medical science is based on the idea of ‘Whole Person Healing’, instead of multiple speciality diagnosis and treatment based on organs of Human body. He admits that Allopathic treatment is essential in the event of emergencies where Ayurveda or Homeopathy will not serve the purpose. Otherwise, Ayurveda and Homeopathy has treatment courses for every ailment, eventually resulting in long term health benefits.
Dr. Hegde had his early schooling from Board High School Hiriadka and intermediate from MGM College Udupi. He has several medical degrees at his credit. He obtained MBBS degree from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu in the year 1960 and MD from King George Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in the year 1964, followed by MRCP, FRCP, FACC, FRCPG, FRCPI, FAMS from overseas institutions, colleges and universities.
He is the person who has the courage of calling the spade a spade. He has been very critical about commercialisation and flaws in the medical profession which was once considered as a noble profession. He has voiced against unnecessary tests and diagnosis by the hospitals that burden the people with high cost on medical treatment. This has brought him disrepute from his own medical fraternity. But he has not taken a step backwards in proving his point of view. His practical approach and sensitivity to the problems of people has earned lakhs of admirers and followers all over the world.
A person with very humble nature, he is accessible to everyone, even to the poorest of the poor. He is being invited by various organisations, institutions, colleges etc., to deliver lectures on different topics. His humorous and motivational speeches have reached and touched lakhs of people in India and abroad through different platforms including social media.
Dr. Hegde served in different institutes in various capacities. He was the former Vice Chancellor of Manipal University. Prior to that he was pro vice chancellor of Manipal academy of Higher Education. He has also served as Principal and Dean of Kasturba Medical College. He is the visiting faculty for many universities.
He is a recipient of several other awards in addition to Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He is the recipient of Pride of India award from Federation of Indian Associations Northern California, DR BC Roy National Award as eminent medical Teacher, Distinguished Physician award, Great Teacher award, Rajyotsava award. the list goes on and on.
He has published numerous articles and over 280 research papers in various journals and magazines in India and abroad. He has also authored over forty books in English and Kannada. His Books in English, “What doctors don’t get to study in Medical School”, “Live healthier live longer”, “You can be healthy” is considered as best sellers. His prominent books in Kannada includes “Soukhya Sanjeevini”, “Manava Jeevana” and “Sukha Sampada”. Some of his books are translated to other languages too.
Dr. Hegde is against the consumption of alcohol and propagates vegetarian food habits for healthy life. He is also against too much exercise. He says people who are involved in physical work like farmers, labourers etc, do not require any fitness exercise. Their daily routine provides them with the required workout.
He was invited by political parties to join them but Dr. Hegde decided against it. He says the British during their colonial rule in India adopted the divide and rule policy and now our politicians are promoting the same in the name of language, religion, caste and creed.
We congratulate Dr. B M hedge on the conferment of Padma Vibhushana award by the Indian Government.
Photo Coutesy: Wikimedia Commons
