PEOPLE DOCTOR RANGANATHAN

PEOPLE DOCTOR- RANGANTHAN



(In our long history after Independence there are many People who contributed their might to improve the common man’s life. Their contributions are selfless and spontaneous. They never bothered about publicity. Their works remain in the memory of common man even today- when statues are raised for much less important persons. One such man was Dr. Ranganathan of Trichy.)


I had many occasions to meet Dr. Ranganathan – in one way he was my relative. My
brother-in-law was suffering acute stomach pain and local Doctor advised him for
operation for ulcer. He came to me for advice. I asked him why not we have second
advice and confirm. I took him to Dr.Ranganathan- my family Doctor. He received us
with a smile. No operation is necessary my boys- take this medicine you will be all right.


He was hundred percent correct and the pain never repeated. Do you know how much he charged? Hardly Rs.5/- Everyday morning there will be not less than 25-30 people waiting to see him for different ailments and all will return home highly satisfied with the treatment. He will not charge for most of them.


At sharp 10’o clock you can find him in the Trichy Municipal Office. He was Chairman
of Trichy Municipality for more than 3-terms. Any one can walk into his room to get
redress. Every one whether poor or rich will be attended. Back in the house another 25-50 patients will be waiting. A fragile man with shriek voice attending multi various of duties was really astonishing.


He was not only a Doctor but also a Politician- he worked for Congress- very honest and uncorrupted leader of the masses. Dr. Ranganathan did yeomen service to improve Trichy. Many health centers were opened by the Govt. at his behest. He improved the main Library and added many newspapers and books. Many temples were renovated by his effort. Particularly the now famous temples- Samayapuram and Gunaseelam.


Wearing simple Gandhian Cloths Dr. Ranganathan did not keep any car for himself and
lived in a rented building provided by St.Joseph College authorities. He will attend all marriage functions without fail if invited. Kamaraj and other political leaders respected him for his services to the poor mass.


I vividly remember one occasion – my brother got ill with high fever. Worried we took
him to Dr. Ranganathan- it was midnight. With out grumbling with the same smile he
came out, opened his dispensary, and gave injection and medicine. Next day he visited
our house and enquired about my brother. This was not because he was my brother. He
will bestow the same attention to every one.

I used to see him every day at the house of another Congress Leader Mr. Arunachalam.
Arunachalam was a chronic Asthma patient and was my neighbor. His first act will be to check his health, then only Politics. Rarely a personality can be seen in these days - A Doctor combined with Politician doing justice for both the roles. Rarely can be seen an honest persons in Politics.

Shaw wrote that Politics is dirty and fit to be called as dirty drain. That is true even today. Yet there are persons like Dr. Ranganthan who are different.
Unfortunately their names vanish once they leave this world. But their lives are roll
model to young persons who want to enter politics.


Analysis:


A Doctor and Politician doing justice for both roles are rare but worthy of emulation. Redressing the ailments and at the sametime attending to the civic needs of common citizens is the best service any one can do and Dr. Ranganathan was fortunate to have such opportunities in his life. We need many more persons like his Doctor.

· A Doctor and Politician role model for present young generation.
· Honesty and Simplicity gain respect from masses.
· Shun Publicity- you are elevated.