We live in a country of vast inequalities, especially in critical areas of health, education and rights. When I was being interviewed for admission to the prestigious Christian Medical College, Vellore, selectors asked me why I wanted to become a doctor. My answer to them, "to work for the poor," is something I have not wavered from. The medical college's motto: 'not to be served unto but to serve', has stayed with me in my professional career which took me to the US to complete my training in surgery. When I returned to India, I looked for a place where I could make a real difference with my skills. I travelled all over the country from Odisha to Kerala looking for such a place, and it was not easy to hunt out remote rural areas where medical care was desperately needed. I found Gudalur by sheer chance in the late 80s, and I am still here.

This website was born of my many experiences - of searching and also of finding fulfilment in my chosen profession.

I am sure there are plenty of young medical professionals who feel like I do. I hope this website will help you make the right choices. By Dr Nandakumar Menon