Sankara Nethralaya’s annual
celebration of knowledge sharing as enshrined in its tenets and acknowledging
its achievers was celebrated with panache as the “31st Graduation
ceremony of the Medical Research Foundation’ on the 2nd of
November 2019. The event assumed great significance as it marked the graduation
of the last batch of students belonging to the Elite School of Optometry –
BITS, Pilani academic collaboration and the fact that it was being held under
the Aegis of a most respected guru, friend, guide, philosopher, generous
supporter and the 1st Principal of the Elite School of
Optometry, (ESO) Dr P P. Santanam, a man whose impeccable character, sterling
virtues and lofty ideals made him the most ideal example to emulate, in
the eyes of Dr SS.Badrinath and being chosen by him to lead the fledgling
institution as a ‘Role model for the students’. A man who continues to be
‘a shining role model’ to this day not only for the students of the pioneering
institution he served as the first Principal, but to every staff member,
consultant, scientist and researcher at Sankara Nethralaya.
It
was a sight to behold as the graduating students walked up in their dream
attire, the convocation gown, to receive their certificates from the chief
guest and other peers similarly clad in their colourful attire, to the
thunderous applause of the audience including their proud parents. The pledge
and oath that followed reminded one of a new regiment of trained and spirited
warriors leaving the fort to the battle field.
There
was an air of confidence and pride in the voice of the institution’s head of
academics, Dr Meenakshi Swaminathan and there was good reason for the same, the
institution’s sterling achievements in ‘knowledge acquisition and
dissemination’ one of its founding principles, came out loud and clear as she
read out the ‘Academic Report’ filled with accomplishments of its stalwarts
being conferred with Diplomates, Fellowships, Awards and other honours from the
most prestigious seats of learning and professional bodies in India and abroad
including the AAO. Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow, Anglia Ruskin
University, American Society of Retina specialists, IJO and the World’s No-1
healthcare agency the WHO, for the impact of their research findings and
contributions to overall eyecare. This was matched by the impressive number of
PhD’s won, papers published in peer reviewed journals by the students of the
various educational institutions of the Medical Research Foundation. The most
heartening aspect of the massive knowledge acquisition being showcased was its
emphasis on the common good and translation into knowledge sharing through a
list of major CME’s and meets and demonstrable impact on public health and pain
alleviation through measures like a directive on optimal classroom illumination
and ergonomics, specialized eye testing for drivers, vision evaluation charts
in local languages that a lay man can make use of on his own, inputs on niche
visual needs of sportsmen etc.
The most awaited Chief Guest’s
address by the highly adored and respected Dr P P Santanam, a man captured in
his shining avatars as an innovator, humanitarian, inspiring teacher, dedicated
member of the SN family, generous contributor to research and academics,
evolved soul, academician and a man who gave back all that he had to his
institution, by Dr Rizwana, Assistant Professor, ESO and Head – Binocular
Vision, held the audience in rapt attention, a speech which in his
characteristic style was simple yet providing a lot of food for thought and sage
counsel. The pioneer and leader in occupational optometry traced the origin and
growth of the institution which was dearer to him than his home and the role of
all those who contributed to its growth including its prime architect and
visionary Dr SS.Badrinath.
The
loving and caring academician had a word of advice to the large number of
students gathered to keep their grey cells superior to gadgets by constantly
exercising it and to practice their vocation/profession with ethics, compassion
and commitment, which will eventually pave the way for rich rewards, instead of
chasing short term and unethical gains. He closed his most absorbing talk with
best wishes to the graduating students and a thoughtful observation that
‘Learning is a journey, not a destination’!!
