Badrinath, founder of Sankara Nethralaya dies at 83; leaders mourn demise

CHENNAI: Dr SS Badrinath, who founded the reputed eye-care institution Sankara Nethralaya has passed away on Tuesday due to age-related ailments. He was 83.

Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath who is well-known for making eye care more affordable to all have recorded a long stint in the field. Born in Triplicane on February 24, 1940, Badrinath is survived by his wife Vasanthi Badrinath, a paediatrician and two sons.

With the mission to provide quality and affordable eye care to all, Badrinath in 1978 founded the Medical Research Foundation, of which he is the president and Sankara Nethralaya hospital is a part.

An ophthalmologist, Badrinath was keen in teaching and training paramedical personnel in combating crucial blindness in the country. Besides this, he and his team at Sankara Nethralaya also researched in addressing ophthalmic concerns here.

Badrinath, the youngest born among his seven siblings, completed his collegiate education in 1955. Subsequently, he went on to study at Madras Medical College in 1957.

As Badrinath grew inquisitive in the field of eye care, he went on to graduate in ophthalmology at Grasslands Hospital, New York University and at Brooklyn eye and ear infirmary in 1963. Additionally, he also worked as a fellow in the vitreoretinal services of Massachusetts eye and ear infirmary, Boston in 1968. And, did fellowship at Royal College of Surgeons (Canada) in 1969 and American Board Examination in Ophthalmology in 1970.

After his education abroad, Badrinath returned to India and worked at different hospitals in Chennai, ultimately opening Sankara Nethralaya in the city.

During his years of services, Badrinath has bagged several awards such as; Padma Shri in 1983, Padma Bhushan in 1999, recipient of Dr BC Roy national award in 1991, Dadhabhai Naoroji award in 2004, Dhanvantri award in 1999, Hall of Fame award in 2005 among several awards.

It is vital to note that Badrinath also served as consultant in ophthalmology to the Armed Forces of India and a non-official member of the Armed Forces Medical Research committee.

Leaders condoled the demise of Badrinath and praised him for his contributions to the field of eye-care. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid rich tributes to Badrinath calling him "service-oriented" for offering quality treatment at a nominal cost.

PM Narendra Modi in his condolence message said Dr Badrinath left "an indelible mark" and his "work will continue to inspire generations."

RSS Tamil Nadu's general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale in a statement while condoling Dr Badrinath, heaped praises for his service in the field of eye-care. "He established this institution 45 years ago and the hospital has been rendering great service to thousands of people, even those who come from far eastern parts of India and even neighbourhood," the statement read.

 TN Governor RN Ravi wrote on X, "Through Sankara Nethralaya, he touched the lives of millions of poor and needy. Condolences to his family and followers."