Volume 11 Issues 12 December, 2021
One fine day, we ( IPS South zone women empowerment committee) were discussing our program for International women’s day, when our then president, Dr K Ramakrishnan, suggested the idea of felicitating the first lady psychiatrist of our society. We all felt it was a great idea and immediately accepted it.But when sir invited one of us to be physically present with Dr Saratha Menon on that day, we were hesitant due to the ongoing COVID situation.
Somehow, my intuition told me not to miss such an opportunity. Now retrospectively thinking, I realise what a great opportunity indeed that was.Until I met her in person, I didn’t have much idea about her, except for what I had heard or read about her. So it was with mixed feelings, I embarked upon my journey from Coimbatore to Chennai to meet her.But I was in for a pleasant surprise as I felt so easy, comfortable and calm from the moment I met her.
It was a humbling yet inspirational experience to see such a great and senior person, being so casual, humane and socially interactive with a relatively young and unknown Doctor like me. At the age of 97, she was accurate in recalling information and names and was assertive when emphasising her points. She expressed her ambition to see maternal mental health services functional in all the hospitals and discuss the same with Dr Prabha Chandra from NIMHANS.
“It was an eye-opener and exciting experience for me to be in the company of such a great personality, wherein I got to observe and learn some of the rarer human qualities like assertiveness, honesty, kindness, appreciative and humility, which we incorporate, would help us to excel in our personal and professional life“
From left to right, Dr K Ramkrishnan, Dr Sharada Menon, Dr Endumathi (PC: Dr Endumathi)
Without any hesitation or discomfort, she co-operated with the seating arrangements required for the online program, stayed calm throughout, gave a memorable and inspiring speech, blessed us heartily and graciously accepted the momentos. Her consultation room, which was on the ground floor of her residence, was simple in decor yet rich in relevant books and journals. Dr Sharada and her entire family were very considerate, humble, and polite.
It was an eye-opener and exciting experience for me to be in the company of such a great personality, wherein I got to observe and learn some of the rarer human qualities like assertiveness, honesty, kindness, appreciative and humility, which we incorporate, would help us to excel in our personal and professional life. Though immensely saddened me, her death brought her back to me in the form of fond memories! May her soul rest in peace and her life be a guide to us forever!
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