90+ and still going strong

by Shobha Menon

The Genial Doctor Dr. H.V. Hande

Dr. H.V. Hande

The only Minister to receive the B.C. Roy Award has been Dr. H.V. Hande, former Tamil Nadu Health Minister, and better known as ‘The Genial Doctor’. He has been serving the underprivileged for over six decades. Three times MLA, twice MP and twice Health Minister, he has had a long innings in politics too.

Straddling many eras in politics and medicine, has been a remarkably memorable experience. “Politics in the early years post-Independence meant doing something constructive for the people. We even conducted study circles where MLAs would learn how to ask the right questions, optimise their time in Parliament and so on. It is disappointing to see today, the acute regression in politics and politicians! And in medical practice, while earlier, among 100 patients, I would find one with Diabetes, now I find four in ten!! People spent less than five per cent of their total income on medicine then. Nowadays, people live longer, but with poorer quality of lives. It’s saddening,” rues Dr. Hande.

“Normally, I wake up at 5.45 am, and the first thing I do is hurry to the eastern side of my terrace to watch the sun rise! I do this every day, almost… about 200 days out of 365 maybe!” he reveals, with a disarming smile.

“Between 8.30 and 9 am, I do my rounds of the in-patients at my hospital. Often, listening to their troubles or sharing an interesting anecdote that they relate to, improves their mood greatly. From 9.30 am to 12.30 I see my outpatients. I see to it that no patient is denied medical treatment in my clinic because they are short of money. Happy patients make me happier!

“I remember many years ago, around midnight, a baby was brought to our hospital with epileptic fits. My wife gave the medicine in a paladai. Two decades afterward, the child’s father became DMK secretary of the area and invited me for his son’s wedding and I shared the dais with M.K. Karunanidhi, my political opponent then! There was more camaraderie in the politics of those times.

“Following lunch and a little rest, I spend an hour or so reading and writing, on political history. I am fascinated by the nuggets that I chance upon all the time.” A popular speaker, Dr. Hande’s topics are diverse. “Making my speech relevant to different audiences is a challenge I enjoy. I still remember my first speech in my late 20s when I had to be pushed onto the stage because I was so nervous. Conveying my thoughts on different issues to diverse groups is motivating. It also helps to make meaningful connections.”

Dr. Hande enjoys all kinds of Classical music – Amjad Ali Khan, Ravi Shankar, Bhimsen Joshi, Madurai Mani Iyer or Mozart! And, he says, he is always excited when he chances upon interesting books from friends and lawyers that help with his writing on political history. On his book on Ambedkar and the Constitution, an analysis of the thought process behind Constitution makers, Dr. A.P.J. Kalam has recorded, “This book should become an important guide for the legal and political community.” In spite of his mother tongue being Kannada, and his schooling in Telugu medium schools, Dr. Hande has translated the voluminous Tamil Kamba Ramayanam from Tamil into English prose!

“Challenges as you grow older are normal, in terms of health and reflexes. Just be careful with your diet and try to be mentally alert, so you can keep physiologically going. I am on top of the world when patients go in peace and good health from my hospital. Literary work keeps me mentally active too. And when I feel down, I just have to take rest for a day, and I’m back fighting fit!

“What you experience at the peak of your active life, you cannot expect as the years go by. As you grow older there may be many instances where you can feel ‘marginalised’, but just ignore it and do what you love, usefully. As Shakespeare said, ‘Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more!’ I have no regrets.”

However, he adds, “When I think of the sort of world we are leaving our children and grandchildren, I do feel concerned. I also realise I cannot stop what is happening, and have to practise acceptance. I am hopeful that the younger generation will be able to stand up more for what is right!”

Winding down, Dr. Hande says, “After my evening clinic from 6 pm to 8 pm, and a light dinner, I settle down reading my many newspapers and catch up with the happenings in and around the country. I still write long-hand, and manage to write at least four days a week. Those Sundays when I have a ‘clinic holiday’, and there are no speaking engagements, are as enjoyable as a sweet laddoo… so much time to spend reading and writing!! And yes, I do enjoy the occasional wedding get-togethers where I am able to catch up with old friends. Life is good!” he smiles.

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