Bound by the love of music, these doctors rock the show

At an awareness programme ahead of World Cancer Day

February 03, 2018 08:01 am | Updated February 04, 2018 04:30 pm IST - Tiruchi

 Doctors performing at Thevar Hall in Tiruchi on Friday.

Doctors performing at Thevar Hall in Tiruchi on Friday.

A group of 20 medical professionals, bound together by a love for music, entertained a public gathering at the Thevar Hall in the city on Friday. The unusual band, which bills itself as the ‘Doctors’ Orchestra’ was part of an awareness programme ahead of World Cancer Day (February 4), organised by Harshamitra Super Speciality Cancer Centre in Tiruchi.

“Music enhances the perception of emotions in human beings. You will intensely feel happiness or sorrow according to the music that is played along with visuals ... the difference is obvious when you watch a movie without music,” said G. M. Muhammad, Associate Professor in Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, who is also the coordinator of Doctors’ Orchestra.

Dr. Muhammad is a trained musician, and plays the mridangam and guitar. He also composes non-film scores. “Doctors’ Orchestra is actually the brainchild of (surgical oncologist and Managing Director, Harshamitra Cancer Centre) Dr. G. Govindaraj, with whom I have performed when we were students at Thanjavur Medical College,” Dr. Muhammad told The Hindu . “Many doctors are deeply interested in music, but their professional duties force them to hone those skills alone. Having a band helps us to connect as co-musicians and interact with the public for a good cause,” he added.

Friday’s event saw the band perform light music from Tamil films. And just like the age of its members – 60 years and below – the playlist was an eclectic mix of old and new melodies. “In the beginning, we had very few singers, but now, with our third outing, the doctors are very well-prepared,” said Dr. Muhammad, who also runs a school for Western music in Coimbatore.

At Thursday’s event, students who had topped the cancer quiz competitions held by Harshamitra Super Speciality Cancer Centre were given prizes. N. Ravichandran, Special Officer and Commissioner, Tiruchi City Corporation, was the chief guest. Comedy artist Saravana Kumar anchored the show.

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