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| Dr.Bahuleyan, Indo American Hospital, Chemmanakari, Vaikkom, Kottayam |
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That the 1st neuro-surgeon of Kerala, Dr.Bahuleyan was born into poverty may not be known to many who only know him as the founder of Indo American Hospital at Vaikkam, which he made with part of the Rs.100 crore he amassed with his practice in the West. And yet, his migration to the West was out of compulsion rather than choice: for the State Government which had sent him to England for higher studies in Neuro Surgery had failed to provide him a job of his qualification on his return.
He then served for a few years in the Army before trying his luck with State service again. On being unsuccessful, the unemployed Dr.Bahuleyan left for USA via Canada without even informing his wife. Since US did not recognize the certificate from UK, he studied again for 4 years what he had learned in UK. A brilliant student throughout his career, 90 offers awaited him on successful completion of the course. He chose the offer of Buffalo University, New York.
That signaled the end of his privations. As he entered the circle of those who make money by the hour, he lived like a millionaire. He flew his own plane and owned a fleet of Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce cars. Yet he wanted to contribute to the land of his birth.
So he came back to Chemmanakari in Vaikkom. He wanted to give back to his native village whatever he had earned through his toil. So, against all logical advices, he located his new Indo-American Hospital 3½ km from the bus route, but constructed a proper road at the cost of Rs.50 lakhs. He constructed another 7km auxiliary road also.
The 78-year old who can be seen leisurely using the spade around the coconut trees in the Hospital is the same person who does complex neuro-surgeries in this noted Hospital. Even the Rs.80000 per month pension he receives is more than sufficient for his needs.
His charitable wing, Bahuleyan Foundation has so far constructed 900 latrines for the villagers. A medical clinic founded in 1993 in the village was later moved to the town and christened as Vaikkom Satyagraha Memorial Hospital.
Courtesy: Jiji Paul, Sree, Malayala Manorama, May 8, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
