Article Today, Hyderabad:
A First in 70 Year
Dr. P. Raghuram, Founder and Director of KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases in Hyderabad, has received a rare and prestigious honour. He became the first doctor in the 70-year history of Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru, to be presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award was conferred during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the college held recently in Mangaluru, marking a significant moment both for the institution and Dr. Raghuram’s inspiring career.
Recognition for Exceptional Medical and Social Work
The organisers highlighted that the award acknowledges Dr. Raghuram’s outstanding contributions to breast cancer care in India and his impactful work in rural healthcare through village adoption. His name already holds a place of pride, having received several national and international honours, including the Padma Shri, Dr. B.C. Roy National Award, and the Order of the British Empire (OBE). The KMC administration noted that this rare alumni award was a tribute to such a legacy of medical excellence and public service.
An Emotional Moment of Dedication
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Raghuram described the award as a deeply humbling experience. He recalled that exactly 30 years ago, in June 1995, he had stood first in the university exams as a student at KMC, Mangaluru. Receiving this honour during the college’s 75th anniversary felt like a full-circle moment for him. He dedicated the award to his parents, who he credited for his values and motivation.
He also had a message for young doctors: never forget the trust patients place in their doctors, and always honour that sacred bond. He urged the new generation of medical professionals to avoid getting trapped in the rat race of private practice, and instead focus on compassionate care and service.
Call for Civic Responsibility Through Village Adoption
Reflecting on his own experience of adopting a remote village in Telangana, Dr. Raghuram emphasized the importance of citizens participating in rural development. He proposed a visionary idea: if six lakh people each adopt one of India’s six lakh villages, the nation could witness transformational change in rural India over the next 25 years.
This message of civic responsibility and inclusive growth added a powerful layer to his already remarkable medical journey. Through his work, Dr. Raghuram continues to prove that true healthcare leadership extends far beyond hospital walls — into communities, villages, and the very heart of the nation.
