Laparoscopic surgeon felicitated – The Hindu

At a felicitation event for laparoscopic surgeon and founder of GEM hospitals, C. Palanivelu, who recently published his autobiography, friends and colleagues dwelt on his humble background and his determination to study.

Dr. Palanivelu said the decision to pen his life story was born out of a desire to enable people learn from his experience. At various periods in his life, several persons had helped him. A teacher in a primary school went out of the way and helped him. When it appeared that his education would end after primary schooling, another teacher intervened.

Tamil orator and senior vice-president of Citi Bank Bharathi Bhaskar described him as a pioneer. His autobiography, Guts (in English) translated as Ethuvum Indri (in Tamil) is unputdownable, she said, adding: “We have no right to say I can’t do it. The book will be a guide for students.”

Author and publisher Tha. Stalin Gunasekaran said all teachers should read the book which highlights exemplary students, individuals and teachers. Laparoscopic surgeon T. Lakshmikanth, who had worked with Dr. Palanivelu for 7 years, said the doctor made laparoscopic suturing a blend of art and science. 

ENT specialist Mohan Kameshwaran said Dr. Palanivelu was his batchmate in St. Joseph College. “I have extraordinary respect for him. I am from a privileged family, his was a life of struggle,” he recalled. During his time practising in the U.K., he recalled fellow doctors speaking highly of Dr. Palanivelu, but he hadn’t made the connection at the time. Dr. Palanivelu’s greatness was that he innovated to treat the poor.

Director and chief executive officer of GEM Hospital, S. Asokan, described Dr. Palanivelu as “a self-made man, growing up from being a child labourer to become a renowned GI surgeon.