Eyecare
at Home for 101.5-Year-Old Professor by His Former Students: A Full-Circle
Tribute to a Lifelong Teacher
In a deeply moving and
nostalgic full-circle moment, former students-turned-eye care professionals
conducted a comprehensive eye examination for their beloved mentor, Prof. Dr.
S. Ramaswamy, at his residence on 2 March 2026 under a dedicated Doorstep Geriatric
Eye Care Initiative.
At the remarkable age of
101 years and 228 days, the veteran Professor of Anatomy continues to inspire
generations with his extraordinary memory, clarity of thought, and indomitable
academic spirit. The home-based examination was carried out by his former
students, Dr. R. Krishnakumar and Dr. A. Mahalingam(TwinTech Healthcare). What
began as a routine clinical visit soon evolved into an unforgettable academic
reunion filled with emotion and gratitude.
True to his legendary
teaching style, Prof. Ramaswamy enthusiastically recalled intricate anatomical
details of the eye during the examination and began questioning his students —
just as he had done over four decades ago in the dissection halls. His presence
of mind, discipline, and passion for teaching remain exemplary even today. The
doctors later shared that it was not merely a professional service, but a
heartfelt opportunity to serve the very teacher who laid the foundation of
their medical careers.
Spending more than half a
day with their centenarian mentor proved both professionally fulfilling and
personally enriching. In a touching detail, the professor’s
meticulously maintained daily diary recorded the scheduled eye examination, and
as is his lifelong practice, he had carefully noted his age at the bottom of
the page — “101 + 228 Days.”
In an affectionate gesture,
Prof. Ramaswamy insisted on offering remuneration toward the examination and
related expenses. Though initially declined, the doctors respectfully accepted
Rupees 500 each as a token of his blessings. The very next day, the amount was
added to their Free Geriatric Eye Care Initiative as his contribution, and a
receipt acknowledging his support was shared with him.
The encounter stands as a
beautiful reminder that true teachers never cease to inspire, and grateful
students never forget the hands that shaped their journey.
About Prof. Dr. S.
Ramaswamy
Prof. Dr. S. Ramaswamy’s
distinguished teaching career in Anatomy spans over six decades, beginning as a
Demonstrator of Anatomy at Madras Medical College in January 1949. He later
served as Tutor, Associate Professor, Director, and Head of Department at
several premier medical institutions, including Stanley Medical College,
Kilpauk Medical College, Madras Medical College, Madurai Medical College, St.
John’s Medical College (Bangalore), and Sri Ramachandra Medical University.
He also served as Visiting
Professor at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (1995–2006)
and has been associated with Sankara Nethralaya’s Elite School of Optometry
since 1987. Beyond academia, he has contributed as a referee for the BC Roy
Award, served on the ICMR Expert Committee in Anatomy, and been a member of the
National Board of Examination, New Delhi.
A life member and Fellow of
several prestigious national and international medical academies, Prof.
Ramaswamy is also an accomplished Hypno-Psychotherapist and author of notable
works including “SAI AM I,” “I AM SAI,” and “Hypnos Nytt.”
At 101.5 years, his life
continues to illuminate the timeless bond between teacher and student — a
legacy of knowledge, humility, discipline, and enduring inspiration.
