How different was Chennai 50 years ago? Is the city coming out of its conservative mould, or still revelling in a world of traditions.
Doctors and industry experts came together on Saturday at the 80th Founder’s Day celebrations of Dr Mehta’s Hospitals to discuss the uniqueness of the city, its past and the future.
While Pradipta Mohapatra, co-founder, Chennai Business School, said he enjoyed the old charm of Chennai that was not present in many other cities, Gopal Srinivasan, MD, TVS Capital Funds, said the city chose to embrace ideas at its own pace but outperformed others in executing them, be it desalination plants or becoming the hub of the IT industry.
Among the audience was Vikram Kapur, commissioner, Chennai Corporation, who pointed out that Amma canteens in the city had not only addressed the nutrient needs of the poor but also set an example for other States to launch such initiatives.
Padma Chandrasekaran, co-founder, Sify, moderated the discussion.
Panel discussions apart, the evening comprised music and dance performances. Doctors and nurses of Dr Mehta’s Hospitals were honoured too.
Sameer Mehta, director, Dr. Mehta’s group of hospitals, said the hospital that started as a nursing home in 1933 had transformed itself to blend modern medical technology with the art of healing. “Eighty years is a milestone but that doesn’t mean we can take a break. It is time to offer services to local communities with renewed vigour,” he said.
