Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Dec 10: The department of Nephrology, KMC Mangaluru, hosted the prestigious Dr Sudarshan Ballal Oration 2025 at TMA Pai Hall on Tuesday, December 9. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of doctors, faculty members, medical students, hospital staff, family friends and well-wishers.
The highlight of the evening was the oration delivered by Shri N R Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys, who spoke on the theme of emulating a high-class professional like Dr Sudarshan Ballal.
The programme was presided over by Dr H Sudarshan Ballal. Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor of MAHE, graced the event as the chief guest. Guests of honour included Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice-chancellor (Health Sciences); Dr Dilip G Naik, pro vice-chancellor, MAHE Mangaluru campus; Dr Sunil Karanth, chairman, Critical Care Services, MHEPL; and Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer, MAHE. Also present were Dr Mayoor V Prabhu, head of the department of nephrology at KMC Mangaluru; Saghir Siddiqui, regional COO of Manipal Hospitals; Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean of KMC Mangaluru; Dr Sushanth Kumar, professor, department of nephrology; and Dr Ashok Bhat, additional professor, department of nephrology.
In his thought-provoking lecture, Narayana Murthy emphasised that many nations fail to meet the expectations of their citizens not due to a shortage of resources, but due to a lack of professionalism. He highlighted that a true professional is one who is ethical, disciplined, unbiased, service-oriented and committed to fairness, transparency and accountability. He stressed that personal relationships should never interfere with one’s professional duties and that every decision must be based on objective analysis.
He underscored the importance of constant learning by quoting Albert Einstein’s words that intellectual growth must continue from birth until death. Murthy explained that curiosity, innovation and hard work form the foundation of excellence, helping professionals remain productive and inspired throughout their careers.
Speaking about the qualities that make Indian doctors unique, he pointed out their compassion, cultural sensitivity, resourcefulness and resilience. Paying tribute to Dr Sudarshan Ballal, he described him as a global nephrologist who blends scientific brilliance with empathy and social responsibility. He recalled the famous saying, “A good physician treats the disease, but a great physician treats the patient who has the disease,” adding that Dr Ballal embodies this principle through his humility and patient-centric approach.
Narayana Murthy’s address covered various dimensions of professionalism and personal ethics, leaving the audience inspired and deeply engaged. The oration concluded with heartfelt appreciation, marking a memorable evening honouring Dr Sudarshan Ballal’s contributions to the medical field.