Eyecare at Home for 101.5-Year-Old Professor Anatomist - Dr S Ramaswamy by His Former Students: A Full-Circle Tribute to a Lifelong Teacher

 

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.